Failure to Timely Report Allegations of Neglect to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report allegations of neglect within 24 hours to the local state field office for two residents. For one resident with a history of epilepsy and anxiety disorder, the facility did not continue a prescribed anti-epileptic medication (Keppra) after a 30-day hospital order expired, despite the resident's known seizure history. The lapse in medication was only discovered when the resident's family brought it to the attention of the Director of Nursing, and the incident was not reported to the appropriate authorities within the required timeframe. In a separate incident, another resident with dementia, anxiety disorder, and hypothyroidism was administered medications intended for another resident, including Trazodone, Senna, Zyprexa, and Tramadol. The error was documented in the clinical record, and the resident did not exhibit acute distress or adverse effects. However, the facility did not report this medication error, which constituted an allegation of neglect, to the local state field office within 24 hours as required by policy. Staff interviews confirmed the failure to report both incidents in a timely manner.