Policy And Procedure

Agency employees/contractors will be aware of signs and symptoms indicating possible abuse, neglect and/or exploitation will sign (upon hire) an acknowledgment affirming compliance with agency policy, will report suspected abuse, neglect and/or exploitation to the state departments of both the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services {DPRS} (1-800-252-5400)and Texas Department of Human Services {TDHS} (1-800-228-1570)and Agency management.

Agency employee or contractor suspected of abuse, neglect or exploitation, will be suspended immediately and an investigation will be conducted by the Agency/State agency. If the investigation validates the claim, the employee or contractor will be terminated and the incident(s) reported to appropriate state department, state licensing board or law enforcement official.

The Agency or staff members will not implement retaliatory action against any individual who reports suspected adult patient abuse, neglect and/or exploitation,

Clients will be informed of this policy, verbally and in writing, during the admission process.

1. Agency staff/contractor will:1.1 Immediately report assessment of patient’s condition which might indicate abuse/neglect to Agency supervisor utilizing “Suspected Abuse and/or Neglect Report.” Symptoms that may indicate a need for further investigation may include the following:

Injuries to the trunk of the body that indicate intentional rather than accidental Injury with a patterned appearance to it i.e., marks from a belt or a ring Bruised skin from a grasp Patient that reports an abusive incident

1.2 When appropriate, acquire input from other disciplines providing patient care regarding concerns.

2. The supervisor will:2.1 Assess the situation utilizing the “Suspected Abuse and/or Neglect Investigation Report.”

2.2 If any agency employee or contractor is suspected of abuse, neglect or exploitation, management personnel will suspend the employee or contractor immediately and an investigation will be conducted by the Agency and/or the appropriate state agency. If the investigation finds the allegations of abuse to be validated, the employee or contractor will be terminated and the incident(s) reported to the appropriate state department, licensing board, and/or law enforcement official.

2.3 Report findings and intentions to report the suspected abuse to the patient’s attending physician. The physician may order Medical Social Services.

2.4 Report findings to an appropriate agency according to state law/regulations.

3. All reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be documented by the agency and such documentation will be kept confidential by the Agency to the extent required by state law. Documentation shall report only observations and statements by the persons involved. The reporter shall not document conclusions or opinions. Copies of reports filed with the state or local law enforcement will be tracked and kept by the Agency.

4. Incidents of Family Violence shall be reported to a local law enforcement agency.

5. Reports of child abuse or child neglect will be filed with DPRS or other state agency as appropriate, within 48 hours of discovery.

6. If any Agency employee or contractor is suspected of abuse, neglect or exploitation, the employee will be suspended immediately and an investigation will be conducted by the Agency/State agency. If the investigation validated the claim, the employee or contractor will be terminated and the incidents) reported to appropriate state department, state licensing board or

7. law enforcement official.

8. All reports and documentation of abuse, neglect and exploitation will be kept Confidential. HCL:Abuse,negelct,ExplRvd020102