Failure to Verify State Certification and Background Checks for CNAs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) were certified in the State of Arkansas and did not complete required background checks for two nurse aides. Review of employee files revealed that both CNAs were certified in Oklahoma, but there was no documentation of Arkansas certification, current abuse registry checks, or other background checks specific to Arkansas. Additionally, annual employment screening required by Oklahoma regulations was not documented for either CNA. Skills check-off documentation was only present for one CNA, and neither file contained evidence of Arkansas-specific qualifications or screenings. Interviews with the CNAs confirmed that they were unsure of their certification status in Arkansas and relied on their Oklahoma credentials. One CNA was unfamiliar with Enhanced Barrier Precautions and could not clearly articulate infection control procedures. Facility policies and job descriptions required state-approved training and certification, but the documentation and interviews indicated these requirements were not met for the two CNAs reviewed.