Failure to Thoroughly Investigate and Report Financial Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of financial abuse involving a resident who was cognitively intact and responsible for her own healthcare decisions. The resident, who had multiple complex medical conditions including osteomyelitis, pressure ulcers, diabetes, and mental health diagnoses, reported that an Activity Assistant (AA) had received money from her under the pretense of providing services. The facility's policy required immediate and thorough investigation of abuse allegations, including identifying all involved parties, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings. However, the investigation was not completed in a timely manner, and the required five-day report to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was submitted two days late. Interviews and record reviews revealed that the investigation was incomplete and did not follow facility policy. Key individuals, such as the resident's family member and other potential witnesses, were not interviewed. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Regional Registered Nurse Consultant both confirmed that the investigation lacked thoroughness and proper documentation. Additionally, the facility failed to communicate the results of the investigation to the resident and did not reimburse the resident as indicated in their report to CDPH. Further, the staff member accused of financial abuse was not properly restricted from returning to work pending the outcome of the investigation, and there was no evidence that the required one-on-one abuse training was provided as reported. The facility's failure to follow its own abuse investigation procedures and to report findings within the required timeframe constituted a deficiency in responding to and documenting alleged violations.