Failure to Train and Ensure Abuse Reporting by Social Worker
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a social worker received effective training on abuse reporting, specifically regarding the identification and reporting of inappropriate sexual behavior between residents. The deficiency was identified when a social worker did not properly report or investigate incidents involving a resident who engaged in inappropriate touching and kissing of two other residents. The social worker assumed that nursing staff would handle the reporting and did not complete the required abuse report or notify the appropriate authorities, despite being a mandated reporter. The residents involved had various mental health diagnoses, including schizoaffective disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, and anxiety, but were assessed as having clear comprehension and varying levels of independence in daily activities. The incidents included one resident tapping another on the buttocks and kissing a different resident, with staff intervening to separate the individuals. However, the required steps for abuse reporting and investigation were not followed, and the incidents were not reported to the administrator, ombudsman, or Department of Health as required by facility policy. Interviews with facility staff, including the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the abuse prevention and reporting policy was not followed. The facility's policy mandates immediate reporting and investigation of all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, but these procedures were not carried out. Additionally, the residents involved were not monitored following the incidents, and the lack of proper reporting and investigation was acknowledged by facility leadership.