Failure to Employ Full-Time Social Worker in Facility with Over 120 Beds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a qualified full-time social worker from December 7, 2024, to April 16, 2025, despite being licensed for 180 beds, which exceeds the threshold requiring a full-time social worker. During this period, the facility only had a social worker present for limited hours on weekends, as confirmed by time clock records and staff interviews. The social worker worked primarily on Saturdays and Sundays for approximately five hours each day and had a full-time position at another facility. This arrangement was insufficient to meet the full-time requirement outlined in federal and state regulations. Residents expressed concerns about the lack of a full-time social worker during a resident council meeting, with six out of seven alert and oriented residents noting the absence and limited availability of social work services. The social worker's responsibilities were limited to completing social histories, MDS requirements, and obtaining necessary paperwork for identified residents, with any unresolved concerns referred to other administrative staff. The admissions director and other staff confirmed that discharge and transfer responsibilities were handled by other departments due to the absence of a full-time social worker.