Failure to Immediately Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately report two separate allegations of abuse involving three residents to the State Agency, as required. In the first incident, one resident was observed entering another resident's room and striking her on the shoulder with a shoe. Although no injuries were noted and the resident stated she was not hurt, she expressed fear of the other resident. The incident was documented in the nursing progress notes, and the Power of Attorney, Administrator, and Medical Doctor were notified, but the Administrator confirmed that no abuse investigation was initiated and the State Agency was not notified. In the second incident, a resident was seen grabbing another resident's hair and attempting to take her walker. Both parties were separated, and the Health Care Power of Attorney, Physician, Administrator, and Director of Nurses were notified. However, the Administrator stated she only became aware of the situation the following day and did not immediately begin an abuse investigation or report the incident to the State Agency.