Failure to Investigate Alleged Abuse/Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of abuse/neglect involving one resident. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had diagnoses including obesity, muscle weakness, anxiety, and depression, reported that staff did not provide care over a weekend, resulting in the resident being left incontinent for an extended period. The resident informed a medication technician about the incident, who then relayed the concern to the social worker. However, the social worker did not inquire further about the incident, did not document the conversation, and did not initiate an investigation into the allegation. Additionally, the resident's family member reported concerns about inappropriate staff comments and the use of a mechanical lift for transfers. While the social worker addressed the transfer equipment issue, the comment made by staff was not investigated or documented. The nursing home administrator was unaware of the allegations and confirmed that a thorough investigation should have occurred, as required by the facility's abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy.