Failure to Report Alleged Resident Exploitation to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to report an allegation of resident exploitation to the State Agency (SA) after being made aware of concerns regarding a resident's finances. On 10/11/2023, the Director of Nursing informed the social worker that the resident's daughter suspected her father was being exploited financially by an unknown friend. The resident, who was alert and oriented, denied the allegations and expressed a desire for his daughter to no longer manage his bank account. The social worker contacted the Ombudsman, who advised reporting the matter to Adult Protective Services (APS), which was done. However, there is no evidence that the allegation was reported to the SA as required by facility policy. During the survey, facility management was unable to provide documentation that the report to the SA had been made, despite multiple requests. The administrator confirmed that the process should involve immediate reporting to the SA and APS, followed by an internal investigation and submission of a final report to the SA within five business days. Review of facility policy confirmed the requirement to report allegations of exploitation to the SA within specified timeframes. No documentation of such a report was found prior to the survey exit.