Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse within the required two-hour timeframe to the State Survey Agency (SSA) after a resident disclosed to the Social Worker (SW) that a certified nursing assistant (CNA) had touched him inappropriately. The resident, who was cognitively intact and required maximal assistance with daily activities, reported the incident to the SW, stating it had occurred about a year prior while he was in the shower. The SW documented the allegation and notified the President of Operations, but the report to the SSA was not made until the following day, exceeding the mandated reporting window. Interviews and record reviews confirmed that the SW and the President of Operations were aware of the allegation on the day it was made, but delayed reporting to the SSA because the resident did not have any injuries. The facility's policy required allegations of abuse to be reported as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours if there was no serious bodily injury, and within two hours if abuse was involved. The delay in reporting placed the resident at risk for further abuse.