Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Mental Abuse
Penalty
Summary
A nurse was observed telling a resident that she could not have her pain medication, Tylenol, until she ate at least half of her food, despite the resident expressing that she did not feel like eating due to arm pain. The resident's medical record indicated no requirement to eat prior to receiving the as-needed Tylenol. The nurse left the dining room without administering the medication, and the resident confirmed she had been told she needed to eat to receive her medicine. Facility staff only intervened and ensured the resident received her medication after the incident was reported by the surveyor. Upon review, facility leadership acknowledged that this allegation of mental abuse was not reported to the required state agencies within the mandated time frames.