Failure to Investigate Alleged Mistreatment in a Timely Manner
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a timely investigation of an allegation of mistreatment involving a resident diagnosed with cerebral infarction, dementia, and anxiety disorder. The resident, who was alert and oriented with a BIMS score of 14/15 and required moderate assistance for showers, reported to a staff member that they had been inappropriately touched by another staff member during a shower. This allegation was communicated to the ADON, but the facility was unable to provide documentation that an investigation was conducted regarding the reported mistreatment. The ADON stated that the allegation was not investigated or reported because the reporting staff member did not believe the event had occurred and requested that the resident not be questioned further. The DON was not aware of the allegation and confirmed that all such reports should be investigated according to facility policy, which requires thorough investigation of any abuse allegations within 72 hours. The lack of documentation and failure to investigate the reported incident constituted a deficiency in the facility's response to alleged violations.