Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident with Alzheimer's disease and severe cognitive impairment. On the evening of the incident, a CNA witnessed another CNA allegedly push the resident and reported this to the supervising LPN, who instructed the witness to write a statement and leave it under the DON's door. Another CNA also witnessed the event and followed the same instructions. The supervising LPN did not read the statements or report the allegation to the state agency, and the accused staff member continued working on the unit. The DON became aware of the incident the following day and began an investigation but was unaware that the incident had not been reported as required by facility policy. There was no evidence that the facility reported the allegation of abuse to the appropriate state regulatory authority within the required timeframe. The findings were reviewed with facility leadership during the exit conference.