Failure to Report Neglect Allegation to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of neglect involving a resident to the State Department of Health as required by policy and regulation. The facility's policies mandate that all incidents of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, including injuries of unknown origin, must be reported to the appropriate authorities and thoroughly investigated. However, a review of the facility's incident records did not include documentation regarding a resident's right foot skin concerns, which were caused when the resident's right foot was dragged on the carpet while being pushed in a shower chair, resulting in several faint, scabbed areas on three toes. The resident involved had diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. The incident was documented in the physician's progress note, but there was no evidence that it was reported to the State Department of Health. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the incident was not reported as required. This failure to report was identified through a review of facility policies, clinical records, and staff interviews.