Failure to Timely Investigate and Report Alleged Financial Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation following an allegation of financial abuse involving a resident diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The resident was noted to have the ability to understand and be understood, but could not make medical decisions. On the date of the incident, a staff member observed a male family member attempting to have the resident sign a 'Borrower Authorization' form to access the resident's bank information. The Social Services Director (SSD) intervened, questioned the family member, and was denied access to the document. The SSD determined that the resident lacked capacity to make such decisions and reported the incident as financial abuse on the same day. Despite recognizing the incident as potential financial abuse, the SSD did not complete the required five-day report, believing that submitting the SOC341 form was sufficient. The Director of Nursing (DON) later confirmed that the five-day report, which should have been submitted within five days of the incident, was not completed until much later. Facility policy required timely reporting and investigation of abuse allegations, but this protocol was not followed, resulting in a deficient practice.