Processes/Policies
This term describes the legal requirement for staff to report abuse or neglect.
Mandated Reporter
If a person served is involved in an incident of abuse or neglect/QI investigation, but is unwilling to communicate with QI investigators, the agency must still do this.
Conduct an internal investigation and document attempts made to communicate with person served.
A person served tells you something that could be categorized as abuse but asks you not to tell anyone because they don't want to get their staff in trouble. What should you do?
1. Ensure the person's safety
2. Thank them for telling you and provide reassurance.
3. Let them know we are mandated reporters and must report this information
4. Report this to your supervisor/chain of command as soon as possible (within 24 hours)
5. Any other recommendations/suggestions?
When a staff member refuses to participate in an investigation, they may be subject to this kind of disciplinary action?
What is corrective action or termination.
What are reasons a staff person may refuse to participate in an investigation?
- Fear of losing their job
- Fear of getting a co-worker in trouble
- Fear of retaliation
- Anxiety or emotional discomfort (freezing under pressure)
- Misinformation or bad advice (ex: "just say you don't remember")
In the event a Person Served refuses to participate in an investigation, what should the supervising FI Rep do?
Work with your PD and QI to determine appropriate course of action, but some things that could be included are:
1. Talk with the person and encourage them to talk with QI.
2. Provide reassurance that they are not in trouble and QI is here to help keep everyone safe. QI helps to ensure that staff are doing the right thing.
3. Offer to have a trusted person accompany them on the interview to help them feel safe and more comfortable talking with QI.
4. Ultimately, a person served does not have to speak to QI if they don't want to
This policy protects staff who report suspected abuse or neglect in good faith
Whistleblower Policy
What are reasons a person served may refuse to participate in an investigation?
- Fear of getting in trouble themselves
- Fear of getting a staff person in trouble
- They may not understand what's being asked of them and may need visual supports or simplified language
- They may feel more comfortable with a trusted person present
In the event a staff refuses to participate in an investigation, what should the supervising FI Rep do?
1. Notify your Program Director
2. Contact the employee and remind them of the policy and encourage them to contact the investigators as soon as possible
3. Document in supervisory notes
4. Work with QI, HR, and PD on appropriate course of action