Failure to Return Deceased Resident's Personal Belonging
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's personal belonging, specifically a silver bracelet, was returned to the resident's representative following the resident's death. Upon admission, the resident, who was receiving palliative care for end stage renal disease, had a silver bracelet documented on the Inventory of Personal Effects (IPE) form. After the resident expired in the facility, there was no documentation indicating that the bracelet was turned over to the facility, and staff were unable to locate the item. During an interview and record review, the Social Services Director confirmed that all personal belongings are to be inventoried and released to the family upon a resident's discharge or death, as per facility policy. The Director acknowledged that the silver bracelet was not accounted for and had not been returned to the resident's representative. The facility's policy requires safeguarding and proper release of personal belongings, but in this instance, the process was not followed, resulting in the loss of the resident's possession.