Failure to Immediately Report Alleged Abuse to Administrator and State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an allegation of abuse was immediately reported to the Administrator and the state survey agency, as required by facility policy. An activity assistant made an allegation of abuse by leaving a handwritten note under the Director of Nursing's (DON) door, describing an incident where a CNA made a kicking motion toward a resident during a birthday gathering. At the time the note was left, neither the DON nor the Administrator was present in the facility. The note detailed that the resident had been redirected to her room twice and, while her back was turned, the CNA made the inappropriate motion. The resident subsequently rejoined the activity. Interviews with staff confirmed that the abuse allegation was not reported immediately to the Administrator or the state department of health, as required by the facility's policy on abuse, mistreatment, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation of resident property. The delay in reporting was acknowledged by both the CNA and the Administrator during interviews. The documentation provided included the original handwritten note and the relevant facility policy, which clearly states the requirement for immediate reporting of abuse allegations.