Late Reporting of Investigation Results for Alleged Misappropriation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the results of all investigations of alleged violations were reported to the resident or their designated representative and to other officials, including the State Survey Agency, within the required 5 working days. Specifically, an incident involving the alleged misappropriation of $160.00 belonging to a resident was reported to the State Agency on the same day the facility became aware of the allegation. However, the results of the internal investigation were not submitted to the State Agency until 6 working days after the initial report, exceeding the required timeframe. According to facility policy, the Administrator is responsible for confirming that the initial report was received by government agencies and for reporting the results of the investigation within 5 working days. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the results were reported late, attributing the delay to waiting for a response from the resident's daughter regarding the missing money. The surveyor confirmed that the investigation results were not submitted within the required period, as outlined in both facility policy and state regulations.