3500, Investigation Completion
Revision 19-1; Effective July 1, 2019
Completion time frames differ depending on the specific facility or provider type and intake priority.
| Setting: | Intake Priority: | Completion and approval in… |
|---|---|---|
| SSLC | I or II | 10 calendar days |
| State Hospital | I or II | 14 calendar days |
| State Hospital | III | 21 calendar days |
| All other provider types | I, II or III | 30 calendar days |
See related 26 TAC Section 711.417.
3510 Extensions
Revision 19-1; Effective July 1, 2019
If additional time is required to complete the investigation, the PI program administrator or designee grants an extension for good cause. Good cause is described as a situation beyond the investigator’s control that prevents the case from being completed on time. The investigator notifies the service provider of the extension.
See related 26 TAC Section 711.419.
3520 Investigation Status Report and Report Provision
Revision 23-1; Effective July 26, 2023
Five-Day Status Report
PI provides a five-day status report to the provider’s administrator for investigations involving SSLCs and other settings that are considered ICF/IIDs. This updates the provider on the progress of the investigation.
Provider Abuse and Neglect Report
PI's final Provider Abuse/Neglect Report includes a summary of the investigation, including a list of the evidence, analysis of the evidence, and findings. See related 26 TAC Section 711.603.
Investigation Findings
The investigator makes the appropriate findings supported by the preponderance of the evidence.
| Finding | Evidence |
|---|---|
| confirmed | there is a preponderance of credible evidence to support that abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred. |
| unconfirmed | there is a preponderance of credible evidence to support that abuse, neglect, or exploitation did not occur. |
| inconclusive | there is not a preponderance of credible evidence to indicate that abuse, neglect, or exploitation did or did not occur due to lack of witnesses or other available evidence. |
| unfounded | evidence gathered indicates that the allegation is spurious or patently without factual basis. |
Designating a Systems Issue
When the preponderance of the evidence establishes that abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred, the investigator designates a Systems Issue as the designated perpetrator in the IMPACT case management system, if:
- the provider’s lack of established policy or procedure contributed to the abuse, neglect, or exploitation; or
- the provider’s established policy is inadequate and fails to ensure the safety of the person receiving services.
See related 26 TAC Section 711.423.
Notification of the Findings
The investigator communicates the results of the investigation by sending the approved PI Provider Abuse/Neglect Report to the provider and, if applicable, the appropriate HHSC Regulatory Services Division program.
If the investigator notifies law enforcement or OIG at any time during the investigation, PI forwards a copy of the Provider Abuse/Neglect Report to that entity.
See related 26 TAC Section 711.605.
For all providers, the investigator notifies the reporter within five business days of completing the investigation, stating the outcome of the investigation, and providing them with information about the appeal process.
See related 26 TAC Section 711.609.