Failure to Investigate and Report Alleged Theft
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate and report an allegation of misappropriation of resident property, specifically involving Resident 38. The policy titled 'Vulnerable Adult Abuse and Neglect Prevention' mandates that upon receiving a complaint of alleged maltreatment, the Nursing Home Administrator must be notified immediately, and an investigation coordinated by the Director of Nursing or their designee. This investigation should include obtaining witness statements and interviewing all parties involved. Additionally, the facility is required to report to the State agency within specified timeframes depending on the severity of the incident and notify law enforcement if the concern is criminal in nature. In this case, Resident 38 reported to a licensed practical nurse that $40 was missing, indicating potential theft. However, the Nursing Home Administrator, upon being informed, only completed a resident concern form and did not proceed with a full investigation, nor did they obtain witness statements, notify law enforcement, or report the incident to the Department of Health. This inaction was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator, highlighting a failure to adhere to the facility's established policies and procedures for handling such allegations.