Failure to Timely Report Allegations of Abuse and Misappropriation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that allegations of abuse and misappropriation were reported to the State Agency within the required timeframes, as outlined in their own policy. In one instance, a resident reported a missing cell phone, and staff tracked the device to a housekeeper's address. Video footage confirmed the housekeeper took the phone, and while police were notified and the housekeeper was terminated the same day, the State Agency was not informed until three days later, after the misappropriation was substantiated. The resident involved was cognitively intact, as indicated by a BIMS score of 15. In another case, an alleged incident of verbal/physical abuse involving a resident with dementia and agitation was not reported immediately. The DON was not notified until the following day, after a note was left under her office door. Staff involved in receiving the allegation did not escalate the report as required, instead instructing that the note be left for the DON to find the next morning. The State Agency was not notified until after the DON became aware of the incident, resulting in a delay in required reporting.