Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse policy by not reporting an allegation of abuse within the required two-hour timeframe. According to the facility's abuse policy, all incidents and allegations involving abuse or resulting in serious bodily injury must be reported within two hours. A behavior note documented that one resident reported another resident had grabbed their hand and placed it in the other resident's pants in the dining room. The resident who initiated the behavior was redirected and later attempted to grab a staff member while being fed, stating they wanted to play. This resident had diagnoses including bipolar disorder and anxiety. The Director of Nursing (DON) was notified of the incident, and the administrator instructed staff to return the resident to their room and continue monitoring behaviors. However, the DON acknowledged that an incident form should have been completed and the state health department notified within two hours, which did not occur.