Failure to Timely Submit 5-Day Abuse Investigation Report
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete and submit a 5-day written investigation report to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) following an allegation of abuse involving a resident. According to the facility's own investigation form, such reports must be faxed to Health Facility Investigations within 5 working days from the date of the allegation or incident. However, for an incident involving a resident with multiple medical conditions, including hemiplegia, hemiparesis, cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, anxiety, and a history of falls, the required report was not sent within the mandated timeframe. Record review showed that the resident, who had no cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIMS score of 15, was the subject of an abuse allegation on 3/18/25. The investigation report related to this allegation was submitted to DHHS on day 7, exceeding the 5-day requirement. The Director of Nursing confirmed in an interview that the report was sent late, acknowledging the failure to meet the regulatory deadline.