Failure to Timely Report Alleged Financial Exploitation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of financial exploitation involving a resident within the required timeframe. The resident, who had diagnoses including fatty liver, hypertension, and protein-calorie malnutrition, was noted to have intact memory on a recent MDS assessment and mild cognitive impairment on a care plan. An alert note documented that another state agency was contacted regarding suspicion of financial exploitation by a frequent visitor, but there was no evidence in the clinical record or the state agency database that the allegation was reported to the appropriate State Agency as required. Additionally, the resident's care plan did not address any risk for exploitation. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN, CNA, Social Services staff, and the ADON, revealed that staff were either unaware of the specific exploitation issue or believed that all abuse allegations should be reported immediately. The Social Services Director confirmed that the concern arose due to non-payment issues and that another agency investigated the matter, with the visitor being restricted from the facility. However, the facility was unable to provide any incident report or investigation documentation related to the allegation. Facility policy requires immediate reporting and thorough investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, but these procedures were not followed in this case.