Failure to Conduct Thorough Investigations of Abuse, Neglect, and Misappropriation Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct complete and thorough investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property for three of four residents reviewed. In one case, a cognitively intact resident reported that a nurse aide allegedly stole $100 from her purse. Although the resident provided a receipt for the withdrawn money and the accused staff member was suspended, the facility did not conduct interviews with witnesses, search the resident's room, or interview the resident's roommate, family, or other relevant individuals. The only documentation available was a statement from the accused nurse aide denying the theft. Another incident involved a resident with severe cognitive impairment who was found on the floor after falling from her wheelchair in the hallway. The facility's fall report lacked evidence of a thorough investigation, as there were no interviews with staff or residents who may have been present, nor information on who found the resident. The Director of Nursing confirmed that no investigation was available for this incident. A third case involved a resident who fell while being transferred with a mechanical lift, resulting in a hospital visit for a thumb sprain. Although the reportable incident stated that staff and residents were interviewed and abuse was ruled out, the facility could not provide any documentation of these interviews or evidence that the correct sling size was used during the transfer. Again, the Director of Nursing confirmed that no investigation was available for this incident.