Failure to Complete Inventory of Personal Belongings Upon Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete an inventory of personal belongings for a resident who was transferred to a General Acute Care Hospital (GACH). The resident, who had a history of cerebrovascular accident with hemiplegia, left elbow contracture, and osteoarthritis, was dependent on staff for daily activities such as oral hygiene, dressing, and personal hygiene. The resident's cognitive skills were moderately impaired, requiring cues and supervision for decision-making. Upon review, it was found that the Inventory of Personal Effects form was not completed or signed by a facility representative at the time of the resident's transfer to the hospital. Interviews with the Social Service Director (SSD) and a Registered Nurse (RN) confirmed that it was the SSD's responsibility to track and safeguard residents' personal belongings, and that the inventory should be completed immediately at the time of transfer or discharge. The facility's policy required that residents' personal belongings be inventoried and documented upon admission and updated as necessary. The SSD acknowledged the importance of this process to prevent loss or theft and to protect residents' rights, but the required documentation was not completed for this resident.