Failure to Report Alleged Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical diagnoses, including senile degeneration of the brain, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and unspecified psychosis. The incident involved a staff member allegedly taking a photo of the resident while she was topless in her room. The event was witnessed by a housekeeper, who immediately reported it to the facility Administrator. Subsequent interviews confirmed that several staff members were aware of the allegation, and the Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that the Administrator had been informed and had conducted some interviews related to the incident. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting of abuse allegations to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the facility did not complete a Self-Reported Incident or notify ODH as mandated. The investigation conducted by the Administrator did not include all potential witnesses, specifically two CNAs in training who were present at the time of the incident. The facility's policy clearly outlined the requirement to report all allegations of abuse or serious bodily injury to ODH within specified timeframes, which was not followed in this case.