Failure to Prevent Misappropriation of Resident Property and Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from the misappropriation of their property and funds, resulting in multiple incidents involving both medication and money. A medication aide (CMA) removed various prescription medications, including Megace, Zofran, Pantoprazole, and others, from the medication carts without authorization and for personal gain. These medications were prescribed to residents with significant cognitive impairments and complex medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, diabetes, and hypertension. The medications were later found at the CMA's home during a police investigation, and the CMA admitted to taking non-narcotic medications that were left on the countertop instead of being secured in the locked cabinet as required by facility policy. Additionally, a housekeeper accepted cash from a resident with moderate cognitive impairment, who had given the money in hopes of receiving personal items. The housekeeper did not return the money or provide the items, and subsequently left employment at the facility. The resident was unable to recall the exact amount given, but it was reported to be $60. The incident was reported to the police, and the housekeeper later admitted to taking the money and claimed to have purchased some items, though this was not verified by the resident or facility records. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistent understanding and implementation of the facility's procedures for medication disposal and handling of resident property. Several staff members described varying practices for securing and disposing of medications, with some indicating that non-narcotic medications were sometimes left on countertops rather than being immediately secured. The facility's failure to ensure consistent adherence to policies and procedures for safeguarding resident property and medications directly led to the misappropriation incidents.