Failure to Conduct Timely Background Checks for New Hires
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement an abuse prohibition policy that required a thorough investigation of prospective employees' employment history. Specifically, the facility did not conduct criminal background checks for two newly hired employees, an LPN and an RN, before their hire dates. The LPN was hired on March 1, 2025, but their criminal background check was not completed until April 1, 2025. Similarly, the RN was hired on January 1, 2025, with their background check completed on January 8, 2025. This deficiency was identified through a review of facility policies and procedures, employee personnel records, and staff interviews. The facility's policy titled "Abuse," revised on June 30, 2023, mandates the screening of potential hires as part of its abuse prohibition program. However, the failure to adhere to this policy was confirmed during an interview with a Human Resources staff member, who acknowledged that the criminal background checks for the LPN and RN were conducted after their respective hire dates.
Plan Of Correction
A - Employees identified E26 and E30 are already hired and have background checks completed. B - Audit of all current employees to ensure a background check was completed. C - Educate HR that all new hires require a background check completed prior to official hire date. D - Weekly x 4 then monthly x 2 audits by DON or designee of all new hires to ensure background check completed prior to hire date. Results discussed during QAPI meetings.