Failure to Timely Report Allegations of Abuse and Injuries of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report allegations of abuse and injuries of unknown origin to the State Agency within the required timeframe for two residents. One resident, who had a history of cerebral vascular accident and neurological disorder with moderate cognitive impairment and dependence on staff for some activities of daily living, was found during a physician's examination to have healing fractures of multiple ribs. There was no identified source of injury in the progress notes, and the facility's investigation documentation was left blank. The allegation was not reported to the State Agency until six days after the injury was discovered. Another resident, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and also with moderate cognitive impairment and dependence on staff, reported an allegation of sexual abuse by a staff member. The incident was documented in the progress notes, but the report to the State Agency was not made until the day after the investigation was completed, rather than within the required 24-hour period. The Director of Nursing confirmed that both incidents were not reported in a timely manner as mandated.