In Virginia assisted living facilities are regulated and inspected by the Virginia Department of Social Services. A Virginia Assisted living facility, Hickory Hill Retirement Community, was cited for a sexual abuse incident in which a staff member was performing oral sex on a resident.
Resident on resident abuse is a recurring issue, especially in dementia wards where residents may be mentally incapacitated. However, staff on resident sexual abuse is less common, explains Virginia Assisted Living Attorney Jeffrey J. Downey. Such misconduct constitutes a crime, especially where a resident is demented.
The incident at issue was reported during a survey inspection. The facility was cited for violating their own abuse and prevention policy and was required to come up with a plan of correction. The complete inspection report can be viewed here.
Often sexual abuse or other acts of abuse are never reported, either because they are not witnessed at the time or because the facility decided not to report the incident. Healthcare providers are also mandatory reporters when it comes to physical, mental or sexual abuse, explains Fairfax Nursing home attorney Jeffrey Downey. The failure to report such an incident can also expose the nursing home to liability further down the road.
If you or a loved one has been subject to abuse or neglect in a long-term care facility, call the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, for a free consultation.
Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey today for a free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless there is a successful recovery.
We handle Abuse cases in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
Contact Information:
The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, P.C.
8300 Greensboro Drive,
Suite 500
McLean, VA 22102
Telephone: 703-564-7318
Fax: 703-556-7700
Website: https://www.jeffdowney.com/
Email: Jdowney@jeffdowney.com