Failure to Provide Adequate Grievance Follow-Up After Alleged Neglect
Penalty
Summary
A resident was admitted to the facility for therapy and antibiotics. On a night shift, the resident repeatedly used the call-light to request assistance with changing out of a soiled brief, but did not receive help. The resident's family submitted a grievance alleging that a GNA failed to provide any activities of daily living during that shift. The grievance form indicated that the employee was terminated, but there was no documentation of follow-up with the resident or family regarding the resolution of the grievance. During an interview, the resident expressed ongoing distress and fear, stating they had not received any follow-up and were unsure if the staff member involved would return. The DON stated that follow-up had occurred, but was unable to provide documentation to support this. Review of the facility's grievance policy showed requirements for keeping residents informed of progress and issuing a written decision at the conclusion of the investigation, but these steps were not documented in this case.