Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Alleged Misappropriation of Resident Money
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of misappropriation of money reported by a resident with intact cognition and multiple medical conditions, including acute kidney failure, diabetes type 2, and atherosclerotic heart disease. After returning from a hospital stay, the resident reported missing money, initially estimated between $20 and $50, but later stated the amount was $400. The resident kept his money in his bedside table and did not take his wallet during the hospitalization. The theft/loss report was initiated, and staff interviews and searches were conducted, but the police were not notified, and the investigation did not include all relevant staff. Documentation revealed inconsistencies regarding the amount of money the resident possessed, with inventory records indicating no money, while a staff member later observed a wallet with about $30 in the resident's bedside table. This staff member did not secure the wallet with social services until the resident's return. The Director of Social Services confirmed there was no follow-up with the resident after the report, and the resident continued to keep money in his wallet at the bedside despite being offered the facility safe. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that staff should have secured valuables and that all staff involved should have been interviewed to ensure a thorough investigation. The Administrator confirmed the allegation was not reported to the state agency, ombudsman, or law enforcement, and was unaware of the staff member's observation of the wallet until after the fact. The facility's policy required prompt investigation of all theft or misappropriation reports, but this was not fully carried out in this case.