Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report an allegation of abuse involving a resident who sustained a skin tear during a transfer by a CNA. The incident was identified late in the evening, and although the CNA involved was suspended promptly after administration was notified, local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services (APS) were not notified as required. The administrator indicated that law enforcement was not contacted because the resident did not have a serious bodily injury. The facility's policy requires immediate reporting of all alleged violations, including abuse, to the appropriate authorities, but this was not followed in this case. Interviews revealed that the aides initially reported the incident to a QMA, who then informed the RN, DON, and administrator, but there was a delay in communication due to the staff's shock over the event. The administrator and DON confirmed that the process for reporting abuse was not followed as outlined in facility policy, which mandates immediate protection of the resident, removal of the involved employee, and notification of the appropriate agencies. The deficiency was identified during a review of the facility's incident reporting and staff interviews.