Failure to Timely Report Resident Injury from Ant Bites
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment were reported immediately, specifically not later than 2 hours after the allegation was made, as required when the events resulted in serious bodily injury. In this case, a resident with a history of muscle weakness, polyneuropathies, and other nervous system disorders was found to have ants in her bed, which led to ant bites on her bilateral inner thighs and right flank area. Documentation showed that staff were aware of the ant presence and bites, with progress notes and skin assessments recording the incident and subsequent injuries. The resident, who had intact cognition, reported the presence of ants and resulting bites, and staff observed and documented fluid-filled pustules and redness on the affected areas. Despite these findings and the facility's policy requiring prompt reporting of such events, there was no evidence that the incident was reported to the state survey agency as required. Review of the facility's intake records confirmed that no self-reported incident was submitted regarding the ant bites. Interviews with staff and the administrator confirmed awareness of the pest issue and the resulting injuries, but the required reporting procedures were not followed in this case.