Failure to Investigate Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of abuse involving one resident out of eight sampled for abuse. According to facility policy, all reports of resident abuse, neglect, and injuries of unknown source are to be promptly and thoroughly investigated, including obtaining written and signed witness statements, interviewing all relevant staff, witnesses, and reviewing events leading up to the incident. However, following an incident where one resident was observed inappropriately touching another resident, the investigation was incomplete. The general manager acknowledged that a full investigation, including obtaining witness statements, was not conducted, and the administrator confirmed that no witness statements were available for the incident.