Hotline backfire

[grooveyredhead]

I am an RN; I employ 12 CNA's. One NA alledgedly asked another NA to get her methamphetamine and also alledgedly was verbally abusive to a geriatric resident. It was reported to me by the accuser. It spread like wildfire amongst the 12. I called the Hotline, as we are all mandatory reporters. I got a letter in the mail from the NCQAC alledging unprofessional conduct on my part. Their bases was that if I was overseeing the caregivers this would not have happened. This caregiver who alledgedly did these things worked for me for 2 and 1/2 years and I never suspected her of drug use or abuse of any resident. My investigation turned up nothing but the accusers statement. I am baffled by this turnaround. I cannot control what the caregivers say to each other and I cannot control allegations, true or false. I need help! What should my response be to the accusation against me? This is really going to make it tough for me to call the Hotline again.

[BEDPAN76]

Is it a corporate hotline? Sorry I'm not familiar with it. BUT seems like you are being unjustly targeted. I don't see how you can be responsible for that kind of crap! Let us know what happens...

[Batman24]

I looked it up and I think it pertains to the state of Washington and their guidelines. Is that correct?! Are they sanctioning you?! Reporting you to BON?! I'm sorry but I am very confused. I don't see how they are holding you responsible.

[oramar]

Wow, so you are saying that reporting is mandatory but then they turn around and punish the reporter? Boy that will totally undo the intent of the hotline. What I have noticed is that in these situations they always go up the line to the first person with a licesne and blame them. So I think that maybe what is going on here. You might even have to get a lawyer.

[rngolfer53]

I am an RN; I employ 12 CNA's. One NA alledgedly asked another NA to get her methamphetamine and also alledgedly was verbally abusive to a geriatric resident. It was reported to me by the accuser. It spread like wildfire amongst the 12. I called the Hotline, as we are all mandatory reporters. I got a letter in the mail from the NCQAC alledging unprofessional conduct on my part. Their bases was that if I was overseeing the caregivers this would not have happened. This caregiver who alledgedly did these things worked for me for 2 and 1/2 years and I never suspected her of drug use or abuse of any resident. My investigation turned up nothing but the accusers statement. I am baffled by this turnaround. I cannot control what the caregivers say to each other and I cannot control allegations, true or false. I need help! What should my response be to the accusation against me? This is really going to make it tough for me to call the Hotline again.

You need a lawyer, stat. If there is an allegation of unprofessional conduct against you, your livelihood is at risk, along with your good name.

It sure seems like there is something missing here. Did the people at the other end of the hotline conduct their own investigation? If so, what exactly did they turn up that leads to the accusations against you? Did they contact you in any investigation they did conduct? If not, how can they have a complete picture of the situation since you are the supervisor and initial caller?