Full question:
I was put on probation for 30 days for asking to take a teen in a program that I work at to the hospital after swallowing glass during lunch. This was a freak accident but they waited till she was having a difficult time breathing 5 hours later. The following day she was still crying from feeling glass and not being able to swallow and still coughing up blood. The nurse said she was being dramatic. I offered to take her to the hospital . I then got probation for insubordinate conduct, which was not true. I calmly asked if I can help this kid because she needs to be seen by a doctor. They brushed her off and told the girl to have a banana that should help. What can I do for this neglect against this teen girl? The program wouldn't even let her talk to her guardians claiming it is not phone time. This was a horrible experience. I have worked at this place for 3 years and I am getting penalized for asking to help. This is neglect! For me, there were 3 incidents in 1 week that was neglected- one girl dislocated her kneecap and couldn't walk; they left her in her bed and told her to suck it up and take the pain killers. She refused the pain killers due to a addiction so they used that against her. She was unattended and crying and soiled herself. I helped her shower and asked for a person to help her for the day. Also, this week a girl was having an asthma attack during a violent restraint they refused to give her an inhaler. I asked 2 times if it was, but I got in trouble for doing my job as a direct care provider for an agency that is part of D.S.S. I really feel these kids are neglected medical treatment, this has become more of an issue to me since I work for a program that makes me obligated to report neglect. I will also lose my job but at the same time this isn't safe for the girls
- Category: Healthcare
- Subcategory: Patient Abuse
- Date:
- State: Massachusetts
Answer:
In Massachusetts, you are required to report any suspected patient abuse, neglect, or mistreatment under the Patient Abuse Statute (M.G.L. c.111, §§ 72F-L). You can report this to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health by writing or faxing to: Complaint Unit Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of Health Care Quality 99 Chauncy Street Boston, MA 02111 Fax: DPH Hotline: The law defines neglect as failing to provide necessary goods and services to avoid physical harm or mental anguish. If you believe that the teens you mentioned are being neglected, you can file a report. You are also protected from retaliation for making such reports in good faith. If you fail to report when required, you could face a fine of up to $1,000. Your report should include: 1. The name and gender of the patient or resident. 2. Their home address and the facility's address. 3. Your contact information. 4. Details about the neglect or mistreatment. 5. Any prior incidents if known. The Department will investigate reports of neglect and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of the residents.This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.