Failure to Report Alleged Financial Abuse to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its policy and regulatory requirements to report an allegation of financial abuse and misappropriation of resident property to the appropriate agencies. Specifically, a resident with mild cognitive impairment and a history of anxiety disorder reported concerns that a staff member who assisted with online purchases may have used the resident's bank card for unauthorized transactions. The facility assisted the resident in replacing the debit card and changing online account passwords but did not notify law enforcement or the licensing department as required. Interviews with staff confirmed that the incident was not reported to authorities because the facility believed there was no missing money from the resident's account. Documentation showed that the resident had difficulty recalling certain information and required assistance with online purchases due to vision and communication challenges. The staff member involved admitted to helping the resident with online purchases and receiving items on the resident's behalf. The facility's own policy required reporting all allegations of abuse and criminal activity, but the administrator assigned the investigation to social services and limited the response to internal actions, failing to meet mandatory reporting obligations.