Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report an allegation of abuse to the state agency involving a resident with right-sided hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction, who was cognitively intact and required staff assistance with activities of daily living. The resident reported that staff had been rough with her during a transfer, resulting in four discolored markings on her left forearm. She stated that she asked the CNA to stop because she was being hurt, and subsequently reported the incident to staff. Multiple staff members, including a CNA and LPN, were informed of the resident's complaint and observed the markings, but the source of the injury was unclear at the time. Despite the resident's report and visible injuries, the allegation of abuse was not reported to the state agency until several days later, after the surveyor's inquiry. The Administrator and nursing staff were aware of the resident's concerns and the facility's policy required reporting of injuries of unknown origin and alleged mistreatment within 24 hours. However, the required notification to the state agency was delayed, and the Director of Nursing was not made aware of the allegation until it was brought up by the surveyor.