Failure to Conduct Complete Background Check for LPN
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its policies and procedures to prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect, and theft, as evidenced by the lack of a complete background check for an LPN hired by the facility. The facility's policy on Prevention/Reduction of Resident Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, or Misappropriation of Property requires a criminal background check for all prospective employees. Additionally, the Care Giver Background Investigations policy mandates obtaining out-of-state conviction records if a caregiver has lived outside the state in the last three years. However, the facility did not conduct an out-of-state criminal background check for an LPN who had resided outside of Wisconsin within the last three years. The deficiency was identified during a surveyor's review of the LPN's background check information, which revealed the absence of an out-of-state criminal background check. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility did not complete the required out-of-state background check for the LPN, despite the facility's policies clearly stating the necessity of such checks. This oversight indicates a failure to adhere to established procedures designed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents by thoroughly vetting potential employees.