Failure to Timely Report Alleged Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that allegations of abuse were reported to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) within 24 hours as required by policy and state law. Specifically, an incident involving two residents, where one resident was observed placing another resident's hands in their groin area over clothing, was not reported to OSDH within the mandated timeframe. The facility's policy requires immediate reporting of any alleged abuse to the administrator and DON, who are then responsible for notifying authorities. However, the initial report to OSDH was made after the 24-hour window had passed. Resident records indicated that one resident involved had moderate cognitive impairment and a history of sexually inappropriate behavior, while the other had severe cognitive impairment and required significant assistance with activities of daily living. During interviews, one resident denied being approached by another resident, and the DON confirmed that the incident should have been reported within 24 hours. The failure to report the allegation in a timely manner constituted a deficiency in the facility's abuse reporting procedures.