Failure to Complete Timely Background Checks and License Verifications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were protected from potential abuse by not completing required criminal history background checks and license or registry verifications for several employees at the time of hire. Specifically, three employees who indicated they had not resided in Pennsylvania for the past two consecutive years only had state criminal background checks completed, rather than both state and federal checks as required. Additionally, one employee did not have a federal background check initiated prior to hire, and the facility could not provide residency information for this individual. Further deficiencies were identified in the verification of professional credentials. Two nursing staff members did not have their license or registry verifications completed at the time of hire, with one nurse aide's registry check and one registered nurse's license verification being delayed by several weeks to months after their respective hire dates. Interviews with facility staff confirmed these lapses, with the Human Resources Director acknowledging misunderstandings about the timing and requirements for background checks and the Nursing Home Administrator confirming that appropriate checks and verifications had not been completed as required.