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Allegations Against Staff: Investigation, Protection of the Patient, and Reports to DC Health and Licensing Boards

When anyone alleges that an Agency employee or contractor mistreated, neglected, abused, or stole from a patient, the Agency protects the patient at once (removing the staff member from patient contact and sending alternate staff), makes the outside reports the law requires, investigates and documents the allegation and its resolution, prevents retaliation, acts on the findings, and tells DC Health within 10 days and the licensing board within 10 business days when a person leaves or is disciplined for the conduct.

Preview: full text with a package
About this policy
Policy number
DC-HH-SG-03
Version
1.0
Main rule
42 CFR §484.50(e)
Library
Washington, DC home health · 58 policies
Category
Safeguarding
Sections
18

In short

  • If anyone says a staff member hurt, neglected, mistreated, or stole from a patient, call the Director or supervising nurse at once.
  • The staff member is removed from the patient right away and another worker is sent so care continues.
  • Abuse, neglect, and theft are also reported to Adult Protective Services, the child abuse hotline, or the police.
  • Cooperate with the investigation and tell the truth. Do not discuss the allegation with the person accused.
  • No one may retaliate against a patient, family member, or coworker who reports.

What's inside

18 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.

Full text with a package
  • Terms of Reference
  • 1. Purpose
  • 2. Scope
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Policy Statement (42 CFR §484.50(e); 22-B DCMR §3912.2(i))
  • 5. Receiving an Allegation
  • 6. Protecting the Patient at Once
  • 7. Reports Outside the Agency
  • 8. The Investigation
  • 9. Findings and Actions
  • 10. Reports to DC Health and Licensing Boards After the Outcome
  • 11. Responsibilities
  • 12. Records and Compliance Monitoring
  • 13. Staff Training
  • 14. References
  • 15. Related Policies and Forms
  • 16. Approval
  • 17. Revision History

An inspector may ask

  • Show me the investigation file for the last allegation against a staff member.
  • What happened to the aide while the allegation was investigated? Who covered the patient’s visits?

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