Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
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E O IC F T F H REPORT ABUSE, F E O # NEGLECT AND # A L T EXPLOITATION T A O R R E N N If you suspect that an E Y G E There is no doubt that most caregivers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky adult has suffered abuse, Patient Abuse, provide capable and proper care to our neglect or exploitation, Neglect and most vulnerable citizens. please report that Exploitation The few who do not, however, must be information to authorities found, stopped and punished for their as soon as possible. Report suspected abuse actions. and neglect to Referrals from concerned citizens are 1-877-ABUSE TIP 1-877-228-7384 a critical source of information for the Kentucky Attorney General’s Patient Abuse Tip Line Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse. All reported cases are reviewed and, where appropriate, investigations Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse are conducted to determine whether Office of the Attorney General violations have occurred. 1024 Capital Center Drive Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 Report all suspected abuse, neglect, Phone: (502) 696-5405 or exploitation of patients in facilities Abuse Tip Line: 1-877-ABUSE TIP receiving Medicaid funding to the Office 1-877-228-7384 of the Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse toll-free at The Office of the Attorney General does not discriminate on the basis of protected classes: race, color, religion, sex, 1-877-ABUSE TIP national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, (1-877-228-7384) or visit us online at age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information in employment or in the provision of services and provides Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse www.ag.ky.gov. upon request, reasonable accommodation necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities. Daniel Cameron ATTORNEY GENERAL Printed with state funds KRS 57.375 In the Office of the Attorney Persons living in nursing homes, Persons suspecting abuse may report General, we believe that every healthcare facilities, or personal care the abuse to the Attorney General’s patient in a nursing home, homes are particularly vulnerable to Toll-Free Tip Line: 1-877-ABUSE-TIP abuse. Kentucky law requires that (1-877-228-7384) or report online at Medicaid facility, or personal any person who suspects that an www.ag.ky.gov. care home deserves to be adult has suffered abuse, neglect treated with dignity and respect or exploitation shall report it to All efforts will be made to keep sources and should be free from patient authorities. of information confidential. abuse, neglect or exploitation. Instances of patient abuse, neglect, or exploitation will WARNING SIGNS be investigated and, when appropriate, prosecuted. Physical Abuse Neglect • Frequent unexplained injuries or • Obvious malnutrition complaints of pain without obvious • Lack of personal cleanliness injury • Habitually dressed in torn or dirty • Burns or bruises suggesting the use clothes of instruments, cigarettes, etc. • Obvious fatigue and listlessness • Passive, withdrawn and emotionless • Begs for food or water behavior • In need of medical or dental care • Lack of reaction to pain • Left unattended for long periods • Injuries that appear after the person has not been seen for several days • Bed sores • Patient complains of physical abuse Financial Abuse Sexual Abuse • Mismanagement of personal funds • Injury to the genital area • Lost, stolen or destroyed property • Difficulty in sitting or walking • Fear of being alone with caretakers • Patient reports a sexual assault.