Failure to Document and Conduct Thorough Investigation of Alleged Monetary Misappropriation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation and maintain proper documentation regarding an allegation of monetary misappropriation involving a resident. The resident reported that a significant amount of money was missing from her purse after a certified nursing assistant (CNA) was present in her room. The administrator acknowledged that while some night shift staff were interviewed by phone, no written or typed records of these interviews were created or maintained. Additionally, video footage was not reviewed, and the only documentation present was the administrator's notes on the resident's statements. No written or signed statements from employees or other residents were included in the investigation file. The facility's own policies require that interviews with witnesses and involved parties be documented in writing, signed, and dated, and that the final investigation report include these interviews. However, the investigation file lacked any such documentation, and staff confirmed that it was not their practice to type out or retain employee interview statements. This lack of thorough documentation and failure to follow established policy resulted in an incomplete investigation of the alleged abuse.