Uncertified Staff Member Performed Resident Care Duties
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a staff member assigned as a "Monitor" was found performing resident care activities, specifically Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), for a resident. The staff member, referred to as Monitor #1, did not possess a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) license, as confirmed by a review of her personnel file and her own admission during an interview. Monitor #1 stated that she had attended CNA school and had taken the certification test but failed. Despite this, she reported performing tasks such as changing and caring for residents, which are duties reserved for certified and competent nurse aides. Further investigation revealed that facility leadership, including the Director of Nursing and other administrative staff, were not aware that Monitor #1 was providing direct resident care. The facility's job description for the "Monitor" position did not include providing resident care, but rather focused on supervision, assistance with transportation, and support during mealtimes and leisure activities. The facility was unable to provide an assignment sheet for the relevant date, and interviews confirmed that the Monitor was not authorized to perform CNA responsibilities. The resident involved had a history of cognitive impairment and required significant assistance with daily activities.
Plan Of Correction
F728 Hiring/Use of Nurse Aides 1. Corrective Action - On 4/10/25, monitor #1 received an education and disciplinary action for failure to adhere to their job description. - On [R], monitor #1 was terminated and is no longer employed at the facility. - On 4/10/25, HR Director audited all nursing assistant files to assure they are within their 120 days based on regulatory requirement. All nursing assistants (total of 11) met regulatory criteria for employment as nursing assistants. - On 4/10/25, HR Director audited all nursing assistants to ensure compliance with job description and scope of practice. - On 4/10/25, HR Director educated all monitors (9) on their job description. - On 4/10/25, HR Director audited all monitors' employee files for signed job description and not providing direct care to residents. 2. Identification of other residents or areas having the potential to be affected due to the nature of the deficiency: - All residents have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. 3. Measures Put Into Place: - HR Director and/or designee will audit monthly X6 months all nursing assistants to ensure that they do not work more than 120 days. - Director of Nursing/designee will audit the monitors' performance to assure it is compliant with their job description weekly X4 weeks and then monthly X6 months. 4. How Will These Actions Be Measured: - The results of the weekly and monthly audits will be submitted to the Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Committee Meeting monthly for 6 months. - Based on the results of these audits, a decision will be made regarding the need for continued submission and reporting. - The next Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Committee Meeting will be held on June 6, 2025.