Failure to Report and Investigate Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to respond appropriately to allegations of abuse as required by its own policy and federal regulations. After a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) reported witnessing another CNA inflict pain on a resident while brushing hair, apply hair dye without consent, and make derogatory remarks, the facility did not immediately report these allegations to the State Agency. Additional incidents included improper transfer of a resident resulting in pain, inappropriate physical contact, and removal of a resident's personal property. The facility's investigation did not include timely or thorough documentation, interviews, or assessments as outlined in their policy. The review of the facility's actions revealed that the abuse allegations were not reported within the required 24-hour timeframe, and the results of the investigation were not submitted to the State Agency within 5 business days. The investigation lacked evidence of immediate reporting by the staff member who witnessed the incidents, and there was insufficient documentation of interviews with involved residents, staff, and witnesses. The Director of Nursing confirmed these findings during an interview.