Failure to Protect Residents from Misappropriation of Medications and Personal Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from the misappropriation of their property, specifically controlled medications and personal funds. During a shift, an LPN signed out a controlled substance (Lorazepam) for one resident and Gabapentin for another, but neither medication was documented as administered on the residents' Medication Administration Records (MARs). A subsequent medication count revealed discrepancies, with missing doses not accounted for. The LPN in question was reported to have exhibited erratic behavior and was removed from the facility by authorities after the discrepancies were discovered. The facility's investigation substantiated that misappropriation of resident property had occurred. Additionally, a CNA was found to have misappropriated a resident's personal funds by using the resident's check card to make unauthorized purchases. The resident became aware of the missing funds when attempting to withdraw money and found the account overdrawn. A review of bank statements revealed multiple unauthorized Cash App debits totaling $1,172, which the resident did not recognize or authorize. The CNA was identified as the individual responsible for the transactions, and the incident was reported to the police. These incidents affected three residents: two who were deprived of their controlled medications and one who suffered financial loss due to unauthorized use of personal funds. The deficiencies were identified through interviews, record reviews, and facility investigative files, confirming that the facility did not ensure residents were free from misappropriation of their property as required by policy.