Failure to Ensure Timely Reporting of Abuse Allegation to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly report an abuse allegation involving a resident with diagnoses including type II diabetes mellitus, cognitive communication deficit, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The resident, who was cognitively intact as indicated by a BIMS score of 15, made an abuse allegation against a Medical Assistant - Certified. The facility's internal investigation report stated that the incident was reported to law enforcement, but the investigation packet did not contain a police report. When the police records department was contacted, they confirmed that no records were found regarding the incident. Further review revealed that the Administrator had left a message with the police department about the incident but did not follow up to ensure the report was received or acted upon. The Director of Nursing confirmed that no follow-up was conducted to verify that the police had been properly notified. This lack of follow-up resulted in the abuse allegation not being formally reported to the appropriate authorities as required by the facility's policy.