Failure to Timely Report Alleged Sexual Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse involving a resident to the state agency as required by policy. The incident involved a resident with dementia, type II diabetes mellitus, and bipolar disorder, who was admitted to the emergency room after EMS was called for a hyperglycemic event. During the EMS response, the resident reported that his roommate had fondled him in the bathroom. The hospital social worker communicated with the facility's Director, who acknowledged that the resident was more distraught than usual and that similar allegations had previously been made against the same roommate, with a police report already filed. Despite these events, a review of the facility's Self-Reported Incidents (SRI) revealed that no SRI was created for the alleged sexual abuse. The Administrator stated that he had sent an email to the Ohio Department of Health to report the issue but did not follow up after receiving no response, and confirmed that no SRI was filed. Facility policy requires that all allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment be reported immediately, but no later than two hours after the allegation is made, to the State Agency.