Failure to Timely Report Alleged Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately report an allegation of verbal abuse to the State Survey Agency as required by federal regulations. During an IDT care conference, a resident with diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and depression expressed concerns about the use of profanities and inappropriate names by a staff member. When questioned further, the resident identified the staff member involved. Despite this disclosure, no formal investigation was conducted, and the incident was not reported to the State Survey Agency within the required two-hour timeframe. Interviews confirmed that the Administrator, DON, and Resident Advocate were present during the meeting when the allegation was made and were aware of the resident's concerns. The facility's own abuse policy mandates immediate reporting of all abuse allegations, but this protocol was not followed. The failure to report the alleged verbal abuse promptly had the potential to place vulnerable residents at risk.