Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an alleged incident of physical and verbal abuse involving a resident to the Division of Licensing and Certification as required by federal regulations. According to the facility's Abuse Prevention Program policy, all allegations of abuse must be investigated and reported within specified timeframes. In this case, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was witnessed raising their voice, using derogatory language, and profanity toward a resident who was experiencing difficulty breathing and discomfort during care. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provided a written statement describing the CNA's rough handling and inappropriate comments toward the resident. Despite the incident being reported internally to the Director of Nursing (DON), the facility did not notify the Division of Licensing and Certification of the alleged abuse. Documentation reviewed included statements from staff, disciplinary actions taken against the CNA, and internal communications, all confirming the occurrence of the incident and the facility's awareness. However, the required external reporting to authorities was not completed, resulting in a deficiency related to timely reporting of suspected abuse.