Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the responsible party (RP) of a resident following an abuse allegation involving another resident. The resident in question had a history of schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, and was assessed as having moderately impaired cognition. Although the resident could make needs known, medical records indicated that the resident could not make medical decisions, and the RP was listed as the first emergency contact. On the date of the incident, the resident reported being grabbed by the neck and hit on the head by another resident. However, the RP was not informed of this allegation or the resident's condition following the event. Interviews with staff revealed that the licensed nurse responsible for the resident did not notify the RP, as the resident's face sheet incorrectly listed the resident as their own RP. The nurse relied on this inaccurate documentation and did not contact the RP, despite facility policy requiring notification of the RP in such situations. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the RP should have been notified, as they were responsible for making medical decisions and being involved in the resident's care plan. The facility's policy also specified that the RP must be informed of abuse allegations and assessment findings.