Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an alleged violation involving abuse was reported to the appropriate authorities within the required timeframe. On the evening of 07/10/2024, a resident's family informed the Registered Nurse Supervisor that the resident, who had diagnoses including Alzheimer's Disease, Depression, and Hypertension and was documented as having severely impaired cognition, reported being hit on the left side of the head and upper back. The nurse assessed the resident and found no physical injuries or pain. The allegation was reported to the Director of Nursing after 9:00 PM the same evening. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting of such allegations to the Administrator, Director of Nursing, and state authorities, the incident was not reported to the New York State Department of Health until the following evening, more than 24 hours after the initial allegation. Interviews with staff confirmed the delay in reporting, and the facility's investigation concluded the allegation was inconclusive. The deficiency was identified for failing to report the alleged abuse within the mandated two-hour timeframe as required by state regulations.