Failure to Notify Family of Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's family of an allegation of abuse involving the resident. According to facility policy, the resident, their attending physician, and their representative are to be promptly notified of changes in the resident's condition or status. Record review showed that a resident with severe cognitive impairment and diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and dementia was involved in an incident where another resident was observed touching them inappropriately. Although documentation indicated that the family was notified, an interview with the family revealed they were not aware of the incident or any related events. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there was only a single, unsuccessful attempt to contact the family, with no documented follow-up or successful notification.