Failure to Receive, Track, and Investigate Resident Grievances per Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure grievances were received, tracked, and investigated by an identified grievance official in accordance with its grievance policy. Review of the grievance binder showed multiple grievances filed by Resident #23, including one dated 01/07/26 that had no investigation reports attached. The facility’s undated grievance policy stated that the administrator should inform the complainant of the findings of the investigation within ten days of receiving the written grievance report and outline actions to correct identified problems. Resident #23 reported having filed multiple grievances against a nursing staff member and stated they had not received any response from administrative staff regarding these grievances. Staff interviews revealed confusion and inconsistency regarding the handling and routing of grievance forms. CNA #1 stated that nursing staff were required to take written grievances directly to the administrator, while CNA #2 believed grievances were being placed in the DON’s office but was unsure. The ADON stated that grievances were being placed by staff in various locations throughout the facility and were not reaching administrative staff promptly, and acknowledged that staff had not received in-service training on grievances. The ADON, DON, and administrator reported they were unaware of the 01/07/26 grievance due to a systemic grievance review failure. LPN #1 stated they assisted Resident #23 with the 01/07/26 grievance, made two copies, and slid them under the office doors of the administrator and ADON, yet the grievance was still not received or acted upon by the designated administrative staff.
