Failure to Timely Report Alleged Exploitation of Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately report allegations of exploitation involving a resident to the Executive Director as required. The incident involved a resident with a BIMS score of 15 and multiple diagnoses, including Major Depressive Disorder, COPD, Type 2 Diabetes with Hyperglycemia, hypertension, and chronic congestive heart failure. Documentation and interviews revealed that the resident had provided money, gifts, and other financial benefits to two Certified Nurse's Aides (CNAs), including paying bills, giving gifts, providing house keys, and transferring money via cash app. One CNA confirmed receiving money for coffee and donuts, while another staff member reported that the administration had been informed of these actions prior to a change in facility ownership. The Administrator stated that they only became aware of the abuse allegation when informed by surveyors, and that the CNA involved had already been terminated for tardiness. The facility's abuse policy requires the prevention, identification, investigation, and reporting of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of property in accordance with federal and state requirements. However, the failure to promptly report the allegations to the Executive Director constituted a deficiency in the facility's abuse reporting procedures.