Failure to Timely Report Suspected Abuse to Law Enforcement
Penalty
Summary
On 03/20/25, a resident with Alzheimer's disease, severe cognitive impairment, agitation, and depression reported to a CNA that another CNA had physically abused them during a transfer. The allegation was immediately reported up the chain of command, with the nurse notifying administration the same day. A skin check revealed three small bruises on the resident's right thigh. The facility's investigation led to the suspension and subsequent termination of the accused CNA based on the findings. Despite being aware of the allegation and the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting of suspected abuse to authorities, administration did not notify local law enforcement of the reasonable suspicion of a crime until 04/15/25, the day of the survey. The delay in reporting to law enforcement was contrary to both facility policy and the requirements under the Elder Justice Act, which mandates timely notification to state agencies and law enforcement in cases of suspected abuse.