Failure to Notify, Assess, and Investigate After Abuse Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly respond to three abuse allegations involving two residents. In each case, the facility did not notify the physician or the residents' families after the allegations were made. Additionally, the facility did not complete a resident assessment following the abuse reports. The incidents included allegations of sexual and physical abuse during incontinence care and transfers, as reported by the residents to a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, who then informed a supervisor. Despite these reports, the facility did not recognize or investigate the allegations as required. The clinical records for both residents showed relevant diagnoses, including depression, heart failure, diabetes, and frequent incontinence, with care plans indicating the need for assistance with daily activities. Documentation revealed that no thorough investigation was conducted, as there were no witness statements or interviews with staff or residents. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the abuse investigations were incomplete and that required notifications and assessments were not performed for the affected residents.