Failure to Timely Report Alleged Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
An allegation of verbal abuse occurred when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) called a resident a profanity while providing care. Another CNA witnessed the incident and questioned the staff member involved, who confirmed the comment was directed at the resident before leaving the room. The witnessing CNA did not immediately report the incident to facility management, instead waiting several days before notifying the provider. The resident involved was assessed after the delayed report and was found to be severely cognitively impaired, rarely able to understand or communicate, and diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, cerebral infarction, and dementia with behavioral disturbances. The facility administrator was unaware of the alleged abuse until it was reported by the director of nursing, who had been informed by a licensed practical nurse after the initial delay. The facility's policy required immediate reporting of abuse allegations to a supervisor to initiate an investigation, but this protocol was not followed in this instance. The delay in reporting the incident constituted a failure to ensure timely reporting of suspected abuse as required.