Failure to Employ Full-Time Social Worker in Facility Over 120 Beds
Penalty
Summary
The facility, licensed for 200 beds, failed to employ a qualified full-time social worker as required for facilities with more than 120 beds. Record reviews confirmed the facility's licensed capacity and revealed no contract or employment of a licensed social worker. Interviews with the DON and Acting Administrator confirmed that the facility had not had a social worker for over a year, with the Acting Administrator citing recruitment difficulties and a negative reputation following a tragedy. The Acting Administrator also stated that, in the absence of a social worker, nurses were providing social services, but these were not being performed by a licensed social worker. Additionally, the Compliance Nurse confirmed there was no policy on social services in place.