Failure to Timely Report Suspected Abuse and Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report suspicions and allegations of abuse, neglect, or theft to the state agency within the required timeframe for two residents. In multiple instances, bruises of unknown origin were discovered on residents, and in some cases, residents alleged that the injuries were caused by staff members during care activities such as transfers. The Director of Nursing (DON) did not observe or follow up on the injuries promptly, and the incidents were not reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) within the mandated two-hour window after discovery or after an allegation was made. Specifically, one resident was found with a bruise on the right back/hip, and the DON did not observe the area until the following day, with the report to APS occurring more than two hours after discovery. Another resident was found with a bruise on the right hip and later alleged that a nurse aide had caused the injury; this was also reported to APS more than two hours after the allegation. In a third instance, a bruise on a resident's left thigh was discovered, and after the resident stated that a nurse aide had pushed on their thigh during a transfer, the report to APS was delayed several days. In all cases, the DON confirmed that the reports were not made within the required timeframe.