Failure to Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an incident of possible sexual abuse involving a resident with significant cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of zero, who was unable to communicate verbally or defend herself. Staff reported concerns after another resident was seen kissing the vulnerable resident, and the housekeeper relayed these concerns to the social worker. The social worker received the grievance and reported it to the administrator, who also serves as the Abuse Coordinator. Despite the allegation and the resident's inability to communicate or defend herself, the administrator determined that sexual abuse had not occurred and did not report the incident to the State Survey Agency. Record review confirmed that the required report was not submitted to the State Agency.