Failure to Timely Report Allegations of Abuse and Injuries of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft to the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) within the required timeframe for two residents. In the first case, a resident sustained a left hip fracture of unknown origin, and the initial report to OHCQ was submitted nearly 24 hours after the incident, exceeding the required 2-hour reporting window. The final investigation report was also delayed, being submitted beyond the five working days requirement. The Director of Nursing (DON) incorrectly stated that the facility was required to report within 24 hours, indicating a misunderstanding of the regulatory timeframe. In the second case, a resident alleged inappropriate physical contact by a male visitor, reporting the incident to the Psych Social Worker, Unit Manager (UM), and Social Services Director (SSD). Despite the resident expressing that they did not feel abused and did not want the incident reported, staff failed to immediately notify the Administrator as required by facility policy. The Administrator only became aware of the allegation after the resident's representative contacted the facility the following day. The initial report to OHCQ was submitted more than 24 hours after staff first became aware of the allegation, exceeding the required timeframe. Documentation confirming timely reporting to the Administrator and OHCQ was not provided.