Failure to Reimburse Resident for Missing Cash
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with chronic atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease, who was cognitively intact, reported approximately $500 in cash missing from her purse, which she kept in her room. The resident's representative had recently cashed a check for $545, of which $500 remained in a banker's envelope. The resident stated she did not leave her purse unattended and always took it with her when leaving the room. The missing money was reported to facility staff, and a police report was filed at the resident's request. Staff interviews and a facility investigation did not reveal evidence of staff involvement or additional missing items among other residents or staff. Despite the investigation being unsubstantiated for staff misappropriation, the facility did not reimburse the resident for the missing $500. Interviews with the resident, the Ombudsman, and staff confirmed that the money was not returned or reimbursed. The facility administrator verified that no reimbursement was provided, as the investigation did not find evidence implicating staff in the misappropriation.
Plan Of Correction
The facility will continue to ensure residents are free of misappropriation. On 3/27/2025, the facility Administrator reimbursed resident #10 $500.00. The Regional Administrator reviewed and educated the Abuse/Misappropriation policy with the Administrator on 3/28/2025. An initial audit was conducted on 3/28/2025 by the facility Administrator to ensure no other misappropriation of residents' funds, with no negative findings noted. By 4/17/2025, the Administrator and/or designee will reeducate all staff on the facility's abuse/misappropriation policy. Weekly for 2 weeks, the Administrator and/or designee will review the missing item log, ensuring no additional misappropriation was reported. Negative findings will be corrected by ensuring missing items are investigated with resolution and staff reeducated. Negative findings will also be reported to the QA committee for review and recommendations. The Administrator is responsible for the ongoing compliance, and the Regional Administrator will review the weekly audits ensuring completion.