Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to Law Enforcement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an allegation of abuse involving a resident was reported to local law enforcement within the required 24-hour timeframe. On the evening of 01/14/2025, a housekeeper notified the administrator and DON of a suspicion of abuse regarding a male resident with Alzheimer's disease and severe cognitive impairment. The resident was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and had a care plan addressing multiple risks, including emotional distress and self-care deficits. The housekeeper reported observing a nurse responding to the resident with a rough attitude when the resident called for assistance. Despite the facility's policy and in-service training emphasizing timely reporting of abuse allegations, the facility did not notify local law enforcement until 7 days after the initial report was made. Documentation and interviews confirmed that the administrator and DON believed they had reported the incident within 24 hours, but law enforcement records and statements indicated the report was not made until 01/21/2025. The administrator and DON initiated an internal investigation, suspended the involved nurse, and conducted assessments and interviews, but the required external reporting was delayed. The failure to report the allegation to law enforcement within the mandated timeframe was substantiated by both facility and police records. The facility's own investigation and interviews with staff and law enforcement confirmed the delay, and the administrator acknowledged responsibility for reporting such incidents. The deficiency was identified during a review of records and interviews with facility staff and law enforcement personnel.