Failure to Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse to the state agency after a resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple comorbidities, and total dependence on staff for activities of daily living was hospitalized following an unwitnessed fall. During the hospital stay, the resident reported to hospital staff that they had been assaulted or mistreated by facility staff. This information was documented in the hospital records and communicated to the facility upon the resident's re-admission. The facility's social worker and nursing staff became aware of the resident's allegations through the hospital discharge documents. Despite being made aware of the abuse allegation, the Director of Nursing and Administrator did not notify the state agency, citing that the hospital had already completed a mandated reporter form and notified the Department of Public Health. Facility policy required that all alleged violations involving abuse be reported immediately, but the facility did not fulfill this obligation, resulting in a failure to timely report the suspected abuse as required.