Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident within the required two-hour timeframe to the California Department of Public Health, the Ombudsman, and local law enforcement, as mandated by the facility's policy. The incident involved a resident with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary edema, and toxic encephalopathy, who was mildly impaired in cognitive skills and required substantial to moderate assistance with daily activities. The resident reported to the Social Service Director that a CNA told them to 'shut up' and hit them on the mouth during a night shift. The CNA involved did not report the resident's allegation to the charge nurse, administrator, or authorities as required. Interviews with facility staff, including the CNA, DON, and Administrator, confirmed that the allegation was not reported in accordance with the facility's Abuse Investigation and Reporting policy, which requires immediate reporting, but not later than two hours, for alleged violations involving abuse. Review of the resident's records and staff interviews substantiated that the required notifications were not made in a timely manner, resulting in a delay in notifying the appropriate authorities about the abuse allegation.