Abuse swept under the rug

[baygrl11]

Suppose a facility has several incidents of suspected abuse, major med errors which kept a patient sedated unnecessarily for weeks, and other things acknowledged by management, but unreported by administration. How does one go about reporting to the health department? If you could provide a phone number I would appreciate it thank you

[SmilingBluEyes]

I would look up (google) your state health department website. There, you will find the means to make out a written report, or a number to call to lodge complaints. Be sure to be specific with dates/times/names of residents/staff involved. Expect once a complaint is made, to be contacted by the State Board of Health (wherever you are) to want to follow up with you and ask specific questions, UNLESS you do so anonymously. Good luck and DO THE RIGHT THING.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Really? Are you sure of your facts? I've worked in no less than 9 nursing homes and NEVER saw anyone sweep abuse under the rug. I report everything to the DPH, including an allegation of a nurse washing a resident with a feces covered facecloth. I find it very hard to believe such horrible things are going on out there.

[amoLucia]

In your facility lobby (esp by a pay phone), there prob is a poster that discusses your Dept of Health Senior Services or Ombudsman Office. There should be a phone # and a web site to use to report any complaints. It can be done anonymously. But be sure to give them enough details that they know where to focus in.

But like CCM asks, how do you know something is being covered up? You are NOT privy to all that goes on behind the head honchos' office doors. There may have been previous investigations that have addressed issues in-house.

But even your phone book should have a listing to use.

[Purpsfrog]

I used to work agency, went to 40something facilities over 8 years. Yes this does happen at some places. Call the state. You can report anonymously, at least in PA. They have 3 days to show up here, and they will. If you can't find the # look at cms.gov website or ask local Area Agency on Aging for it. Assisted Living falls under Department of Public Welfare. Nurses are mandatory reporters so you are as guilty if you don't report!

[casi, ASN, RN]

A lot of things are reported to state, but floor staff aren't aware of it. Management reports what they have to and then it goes from there. If they told you about everything they had to report, you'd be shocked.

[nursehaley91, BSN, RN]

Really? Are you sure of your facts? I've worked in no less than 9 nursing homes and NEVER saw anyone sweep abuse under the rug. I report everything to the DPH, including an allegation of a nurse washing a resident with a feces covered facecloth. I find it very hard to believe such horrible things are going on out there.

I haven't seen quite those horrible things but I quit my last nursing job in LTC because I witnessed an act of blatant abuse with my very own eyes. PT had marks on them but unfortunately suffered from dementia and could hardly remember what their name was. My LTC brushed it under the rug. Refused to report it and when I did so myself, wrote me up for insubordination.