Failure to Timely Notify Social Work of Resident-to-Resident Altercation
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to notify the social work department in a timely manner following a resident-to-resident altercation. The incident involved a resident with vascular dementia, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and hypertension, who was punched in the face by another resident while sitting in the hallway. The residents were immediately separated and assessed, with no injuries observed and the affected resident denying pain and soon having no recollection of the event. Although the Director of Nursing Services, third-party provider, family, and local police were notified, the social work department was not informed until seven days after the incident. Facility documentation and interviews revealed that social workers are expected to follow up on any resident altercations as soon as they are informed, but in this case, the delay prevented timely psychosocial assessment and follow-up. The social worker was unable to recall details of the incident due to the late notification, and it was confirmed that the altercation was discussed in a staff meeting without a social work representative present. The delay in notification was attributed to miscommunication among staff.