Failure to Timely Submit Final Abuse Investigation Reports
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to submit final reports of its investigations into two separate physical abuse allegations to the State Survey and Certification Agency within the required five working day timeframe, as mandated by both state law and the facility's own Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation policy. In the first incident, involving two residents, the final report was submitted two days late. In the second incident, also involving two residents, the final report was submitted twelve days after the deadline. In both cases, the initial reports were submitted on time, but the final investigative findings were not reported within the required period. The nursing home administrator confirmed during an interview that the investigations and interviews for both incidents had been completed, but acknowledged that the final reports were not submitted in a timely manner. The administrator stated that he was aware of the facility's policy and the state reporting timelines, and that the delay was due to his failure to submit the reports on time. The facility's policy requires reporting all alleged violations and the results of investigations to the appropriate authorities within specified timeframes, which was not followed in these instances.