Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Resident Poisoning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an allegation of poisoning made by a resident was reported to the Abuse Coordinator and State Agency in a timely manner. The incident involved a resident with diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety, who had an intact mental status as indicated by a BIMS score of 15. The resident alleged that their roommate had poisoned them, reported feeling dizzy, and subsequently called the police, resulting in a hospital transfer. Documentation shows that the resident expressed concerns about being poisoned and believed their roommate or others may have been involved. Despite the seriousness of the allegation, the initial report to the State Agency was not made until several days after the incident. The delay occurred because the nurse on duty did not notify the Administrator (abuse coordinator) immediately after the allegation was made. The facility's policy requires that all alleged violations be reported to the Administrator and State Agency within specified timeframes, but this protocol was not followed in this case.