Failure to Timely Report Alleged Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse involving a resident within the required time constraints. The incident involved a resident with diagnoses including hypertension, low back pain, and nervous system disorders, who was reportedly asked by an activity aide to expose his private parts while in the activity room. The resident's spouse reported the incident, and another resident relayed the information to the activities director. Despite these reports, the activities director did not act on the information, dismissing it as typical behavior from the residents involved. The nursing home administrator was not made aware of the alleged abuse until several days after the initial report. The delay in reporting was due to a lack of communication and failure to recognize the seriousness of the allegation by staff members who received the information. The incident was not reported to the Division of Healthcare & Quality until several days after it was first brought to the attention of staff. Interviews confirmed that staff did not immediately recognize or act upon the allegation, resulting in a failure to meet the required reporting timeframe for suspected abuse.