Failure to Report Alleged Verbal Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of verbal abuse involving a resident with paraplegia, spinal stenosis, and diabetes, who was cognitively intact as indicated by a perfect BIMS score. The resident's representative reported to the facility's social worker that a staff member told the resident to "shut up." The resident was unsure of the staff member's name, and the representative could not recall the exact date the incident was reported to the social worker. Despite this, the facility did not report the allegation to the Department of Health (DOH) as required. During interviews, the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator stated that the allegation was not reported to the DOH because the resident denied that verbal abuse had occurred and was cognitively intact. The administrator also indicated that staff interviews did not substantiate the claim. However, there was no evidence that the facility fully investigated the allegation or notified the DOH as mandated by facility policy, which requires immediate reporting of all alleged violations and follow-up with government agencies.