Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an allegation of physical abuse involving a resident with dementia and moderate cognitive impairment was reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) within the required timeframe. The resident reported being punched by a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) on the evening of March 5, 2025. Documentation shows that the administrator was notified of the allegation, but there was no evidence that CDPH was notified immediately or within two hours as required by both regulation and the facility's own policy. Interviews with staff confirmed that the required report to CDPH was not made. The Registered Nurse (RN) involved stated she did not fax or call the report to CDPH and could not recall the reason for this omission. The administrator acknowledged that CDPH should have been notified no later than two hours after the facility became aware of the allegation. The facility's policy clearly outlines the requirement for immediate reporting of abuse allegations to the appropriate authorities.