Failure to Document Staff Interviews During Abuse Investigation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a thorough investigation into an allegation of verbal and attempted physical abuse reported by a resident against a nurse. The 5-day investigation documentation showed that only three residents were interviewed, with no documentation of staff interviews. The Director of Nursing stated that standard procedure includes interviewing staff, residents, and other residents, but was on vacation during the incident. The Administrator confirmed that while staff were spoken to, these interviews were not documented. Facility policy requires that all reports of abuse or neglect be promptly and thoroughly investigated, including interviews with staff members on all shifts who had contact with the resident during the alleged incident. The lack of documented staff interviews led to the deficiency.