Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report an allegation of verbal abuse involving a resident with intact cognition and a history of muscle weakness, need for assistance with personal care, and hypertension. The resident reported that their former roommate had threatened, yelled, cursed, and accused them of theft, as well as rummaged through their belongings. The resident stated they were scared of their former roommate, who was subsequently moved to another unit. The facility's policy requires that all allegations of abuse be investigated and reported within federally mandated timeframes. Despite the resident's disclosure of verbal abuse, the Administrator was not aware of the allegation until informed by a surveyor. The Administrator acknowledged the requirement to report such allegations within two hours but did not notify the state survey agency until the following day, well beyond the required timeframe. The Director of Nursing was informed of the allegation later that same day, and both the Administrator and DON confirmed the delayed reporting. The deficiency was identified due to the failure to report the abuse allegation promptly as required by policy and regulation.