Pennsylvania Code
Title 55 - HUMAN SERVICES
Part VIII - Intellectual Disability and Autism Manual
Subpart A - Statements of Policy
Chapter 6000 - STATEMENTS OF POLICY
Subchapter Q - INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPORTING/INVESTIGATING
Section 6000.913 - County mental health/mental retardation programs

(a) When an individual or family informs his supports coordinator that an event has occurred that can be defined as an incident and there is a relationship as specified in § 6000.911(b)(1)-(3) (relating to providers) the supports coordinator is to immediately notify the provider rendering the support or service. The provider is responsible for taking prompt action to protect the individual, completing an investigation as necessary and filing an incident report in HCSIS.

(b) When an individual or a family member informs the supports coordinator of an event that can be categorized as abuse or neglect as defined in this subchapter and there is no relationship as specified in § 6000.911(b)(1)-(3), the supports coordinator will take prompt action to protect the individual. Once the individual's health and safety are assured, the supports coordinator will ensure a certified investigator is assigned as necessary and file an incident report in HCSIS.

(c) When a family member of an individual informs the individual's supports coordinator of the death of the individual, the supports coordinator will determine if a report has been filed by a provider. If a provider is not required to file the report, the supports coordinator will file an incident report in HCSIS.

(d) In some circumstances, county mental retardation program staff may be required to report incidents. County staff are to report deaths and incidents of alleged abuse or neglect when a provider or supports coordinator relationship does not currently exist, or in circumstances when the process for reporting or investigating incidents, described in this subchapter, for providers or support coordination entities compromises objectivity.

(e) If a county incident manager or designee is informed that a provider's certified investigator suspects that abuse or neglect is occurring beyond the authority of the provider to investigate, the county is to take all available action to protect the health and safety of the individual. The county may need to employ the resources of law enforcement, ChildLine, area agency on aging, counselors or other protective service agencies to protect the individual.