Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to report an allegation of abuse within the required timeframe for one resident. On the date of the incident, a resident alleged that a nurse hit him on the arm in his room. The nurse denied the allegation, stating that the resident attempted to strike at her, and there was a witness to corroborate the nurse's account. Upon notification of the allegation, the nurse was suspended, and the administrator assessed the resident, finding no visible injuries. The resident was later transferred to the hospital for altered mental status. Documentation shows that the incident was reported to the state agency the following day, more than two hours after the allegation was made. Facility policy requires that any alleged violations involving abuse be reported to the state agency immediately, but not later than two hours after the allegation is made if the event involves abuse or results in serious bodily injury. Staff interviews confirmed that the event qualified as an abuse allegation and should have been reported within two hours. However, the fax confirmation indicates the report was sent the next day, exceeding the required reporting timeframe.