Failure to Investigate Allegation of Resident Exploitation
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to investigate an allegation of resident exploitation involving one resident. On 10/11/23, the Director of Nursing was informed by the resident's daughter that her father might be 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 and Adult Protective Services (APS) as advised, and APS later closed the case after discussing the matter with the resident. However, there was no evidence that the facility conducted its own internal investigation into the allegation as required by policy. During the survey, facility management was unable to provide documentation or evidence of an internal investigation into the reported exploitation. Interviews with administrative staff confirmed that the facility's policy requires immediate reporting and investigation of such allegations, including interviews with all involved parties and thorough documentation. Despite these requirements, no investigation report or supporting documentation was found or provided prior to the survey exit.