Failure to Timely Report Suspected Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that alleged violations involving misappropriation of resident property were reported immediately to the administrator and to the state agency, as required by both facility policy and state law. Specifically, when a resident with impaired cognition, legal blindness, anxiety, and major depressive disorder reported missing money from his wallet, the initial report was made by a CNA to an LVN, and subsequently to the DON and ADON. However, the administrator was not notified immediately, and the incident was not reported to the state agency within the required timeframe. Interviews revealed that the CNA and LVN were aware of the resident's claim of missing money and had recounted the funds on two separate occasions, noting a decrease from $84 to $34. The DON and ADON acknowledged receiving the report from staff but did not promptly inform the administrator or ensure that the state agency was notified. The social worker was conducting an investigation, but the reporting process was not followed as outlined in the facility's abuse and neglect policy. The administrator confirmed that he was not made aware of the missing money until much later and that, had he been notified, he would have followed the facility's abuse protocols. The facility's policy clearly states that all allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of property must be reported to the administrator and the state agency within specified timeframes. The failure to report the incident as required constituted a deficiency in the facility's handling of suspected misappropriation of resident property.