Failure to Report and Investigate Alleged Misappropriation of Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report and investigate an allegation of misappropriation of property involving a resident who reported a missing clock radio. The resident, who was cognitively intact according to the most recent MDS assessment, stated that the item was stolen and that the police had been involved. The resident informed staff about the missing item and the police visit, but there was no documentation of this incident in the resident's electronic medical record. Another resident confirmed that police had visited and inquired about any altercations, but denied any involvement. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) acknowledged that the resident had called the police and mentioned something was taken, but did not provide details and the LPN did not report the incident to the facility's Abuse Coordinator, who is also the Administrator. The LPN stated she did not consider it abuse due to the lack of details, but recognized it should have been reported. The Administrator confirmed that all allegations, regardless of detail, must be reported immediately for investigation and state notification. Facility policy requires staff to report any suspicion or allegation of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property to the Administrator or supervisor, but this procedure was not followed in this case.