Failure to Conduct Background Checks Before Hiring
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its written procedures to prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents by not performing criminal history background checks prior to the date of hire for five employees. These employees included two Registered Nurses (RNs), two Nurse Aides (NAs), and one Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The facility's policy, dated May 1, 2022, and last reviewed on January 3, 2024, required obtaining criminal and FBI background checks before an employee's first day of employment. However, the personnel records for these employees did not include the required State background checks. The deficiency was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator, who acknowledged the failure to adhere to the facility's procedures. The employees in question were already working and no longer on orientation, indicating that the background checks were not completed in a timely manner as per the facility's policy. This oversight was identified through a review of personnel records and nurse deployment documents, which showed that the employees continued to work without the necessary background checks being documented.
Plan Of Correction
The facility obtained satisfactory criminal records checks (state background checks, PATCH) on new employees hired in the last four months including employees E-2, E-17, E-18, E-19, and E-20. Human Resources and the In-service coordinator have been re-educated on the importance of securing a satisfactory criminal records check (state background checks, PATCH) on all new employees prior to the employees' first day at the facility. All new hire paperwork including the satisfactory criminal records check (state background checks, PATCH) will be audited by the administrator or designee every two weeks for two months prior to the start of orientation to ensure that all new employees have a satisfactory criminal records check (state background checks, PATCH). Any deficient practice will be immediately corrected. All data will be forwarded to the QAPI committee and the need for additional monitoring will be determined by the committee.