Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse by Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff reported an allegation of abuse involving a resident with a history of dysarthria following cerebral infarction. The resident, who was cognitively able to make daily decisions with modified independence, alleged that a registered nurse pushed and cursed at them during a skin examination. The resident reported this incident to a family member, who then informed the unit manager. However, the registered nurse involved did not report the allegation to any supervisor or manager as required by facility policy. Facility policy mandates that all alleged violations involving abuse must be reported immediately, but no later than two hours after the allegation is made, to the administrator and appropriate authorities. In this case, the facility did not become aware of the allegation until the family member reported it the following morning, resulting in a delay in notifying the state survey agency. Interviews confirmed that the nurse did not follow the required reporting procedures, and the director of nursing services acknowledged that the allegation should have been reported within the specified timeframe.