Failure to Timely Report Alleged Misappropriation of Resident Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident in a timely manner as required by policy and regulation. The incident involved a resident with multiple medical conditions, including anemia, atrial fibrillation, neurogenic bladder, paraplegia, and a pressure ulcer, who was cognitively intact and required staff assistance for daily activities. The resident reported after discharge that he had transferred $22 to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) via PayPal, of which only $10 was repaid. This information was communicated to the facility after the resident had left. Staff interviews revealed that the incident was not reported immediately upon discovery. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) learned of the situation while the resident was still in the facility but did not report it to the Director of Nursing (DON) until her next shift. The DON instructed the LPN to document the incident, and the statement was left for Human Resources. However, there was confusion and lack of clarity among staff regarding the exact dates and the process for reporting, and the written statement was not received by Human Resources. The Administrator and Human Resources both acknowledged the inappropriateness of the staff member borrowing money from a resident and confirmed that such incidents should be reported and investigated immediately. The facility's policy required immediate reporting of suspected abuse, mistreatment, or other criminal behavior to the person in charge and to the Administrator within one hour. Despite this, the allegation was not reported to the police or the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing until several days after the resident's initial disclosure. The delay in reporting and lack of immediate action constituted a failure to follow established procedures for timely reporting and investigation of abuse allegations.