Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident with a history of traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, and cognitive impairment. The resident was taken to a hospital emergency room after becoming combative and reported to hospital staff that they had been hit and punched by staff at the facility. Hospital staff documented two small bruises on the resident. Upon readmission, facility staff also noted bruising during a head-to-toe skin check. A physician's note documented the resident's allegation that a black male staff member had punched and kicked them after the resident requested medication for a migraine. Despite these documented allegations and physical findings, the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing were unaware of the abuse report and had not reported the incident to the state agency or other required authorities as per facility policy. The policy required immediate reporting, but the allegation was not reported until prompted by the surveyor, several days after the initial incident and documentation. The failure to report was confirmed through interviews and record reviews.