Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to report an allegation of abuse in a timely manner for a resident with chronic venous ulcers and a history of accusatory and manipulative behaviors. The resident, who was cognitively intact and independent in ADLs, alleged that a registered nurse punctured their leg with scissors during a dressing change. The nursing note documented the allegation and minimal bleeding, but no other signs of injury were observed at the time. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting of all alleged abuse to the administrator or designee, the registered nurse did not report the allegation on the day it was made. Instead, the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) was informed two days later, after the resident reiterated the accusation. Interviews confirmed the delay in reporting, with the DNS acknowledging that the nurse should have reported the allegation immediately, regardless of the presence or absence of injury.