Failure to Timely Investigate Allegation of Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a timely investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse involving a resident. According to the report, a resident with intact memory and cognition reported to a medical provider that another resident entered their room around Christmas time, exposed and fondled their private area, and was subsequently removed by staff after the resident yelled. The incident was not investigated at the time it was reported in December, and staff members later indicated they believed the matter had already been addressed or investigated by the previous Director of Nursing Services (DNS). The current DNS only became aware of the allegation months later, after being informed by the resident's medical provider, and initiated an investigation at that time. The investigation was incomplete, as it did not include interviews with other residents or all relevant staff. Both the DNS and the facility administrator acknowledged that the investigation was not conducted in a timely manner and was not comprehensive, as required by facility policy and regulatory guidelines.