Misappropriation of Resident Property by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) was observed by a Housekeeping Aide searching the pockets of a resident's clothing, locating the resident's wallet, and removing $27 in cash. The Housekeeping Aide reported that the CNA questioned whether there were cameras in the laundry room and then stated she could use the money for gas before placing the cash in her own pocket. The incident was reported to the Housekeeping Supervisor, who documented the allegation and the sequence of events. The CNA was later interviewed by the Administrator and Housekeeping Supervisor, during which she admitted to searching the resident's clothing but denied taking any money. The facility's policy, titled "Abuse: Zero Tolerance," explicitly prohibits taking or borrowing money from residents, classifying such actions as a form of abuse. Staff interviews confirmed that personal items, including money, should not be taken from residents and that any observed theft should be reported to supervisory staff. The incident involved a resident who no longer resided in the facility at the time of the review. The deficiency was identified during a complaint investigation.