Failure to Conduct Timely Background Check for New Hire
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to perform a criminal history background check prior to hiring for one of the personnel files reviewed. Specifically, the Director of Nursing, referred to as Employee 2, was hired on November 11, 2024, but did not have a Pennsylvania State Police background check completed until January 29, 2025. This is in violation of the facility's policy, which mandates that a criminal history check be conducted as a condition of employment within the first 30 days of hire. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator, Employee E1, stated that the Human Services Director, Employee E9, had conducted a criminal background check at the time of hiring; however, it was not saved, and a more recent copy was unavailable. This oversight led to a deficiency in compliance with the facility's policy and state regulations, as the required background check was not completed in a timely manner.
Plan Of Correction
Step 1 The background check for the DON was completed on 1/29/25 and the result was added to the personnel file. Step 2 HR director will complete an audit of all active employees to ensure that background checks are completed as required. Step 3 HR personnel were educated on the requirement to complete background checks before onboarding. Step 4 HR director/ designee will audit all new hires weekly x4 than monthly to ensure that criminal background checks were completed before onboarding. Findings will be reviewed in QAPI meeting.