Failure to Report and Investigate Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse to the state licensing and certification agency after a resident reported to a family member that she had been hit on the head by a staff member during care. The family member relayed this allegation to facility staff, but the facility did not notify the Department as required. The resident involved had a diagnosis of hemiplegia affecting her right dominant side and was admitted with significant physical limitations. A review of the facility's grievance and complaint resolution documentation showed that the investigation into the alleged abuse did not include interviews with other residents who may have had contact with the accused staff member. Interviews with the DON and Social Services Director confirmed that other residents were not interviewed, despite facility policy requiring such actions as part of a thorough investigation. The policy specifically states that all allegations are to be thoroughly investigated, including interviews with other residents to whom the accused employee provides care.