Failure to Report Alleged Sexual Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident who was admitted with diagnoses including diabetes mellitus type 2 and muscle weakness, and who was cognitively intact and required partial assistance with transfers. Shortly after admission, the resident reported that another resident grabbed her sweater and offered her money for a sexual act while she was at the nurse's station. The resident stated she reported the incident to staff at the time, but could not recall their names. The facility's care plan for the resident did not address risk of sexual abuse. Upon review, the facility administrator confirmed that there were no abuse investigations documented for the individuals involved and acknowledged that the allegation had not been reported to the appropriate authorities. The administrator expressed a lack of understanding regarding the incident being considered abuse, citing the absence of physical contact. The facility's Abuse Prevention Program Policy defines abuse to include both physical and mental injury or sexual assault, and requires that all allegations of abuse be reported within federally mandated timeframes. Despite this policy, the incident was not reported as required.