Failure to Protect Resident from Misappropriation of Money
Penalty
Summary
A resident who was alert and oriented to person, place, and time reported that $80 was missing from her purse, which she kept in her room and typically did not leave unattended except while sleeping. The resident stated she discovered the money was missing when she attempted to pay for a hair appointment and found only single bills remaining in her purse. She had previously withdrawn cash from her resident trust fund account, with records confirming multiple withdrawals and the denominations provided. The resident and her family both asserted that the money was not misplaced, and the resident recalled a prior incident, over six months earlier, when an unidentified person was observed going through her closet at night. The facility conducted an investigation, including interviews with the resident and staff, and searches of the resident's room, laundry, and common areas, but was unable to locate the missing funds. Staff confirmed the resident's credibility and orientation, and there was no history of dishonest behavior or prior accusations. The facility's policy affirms residents' rights to be free from misappropriation of property, defined as the deliberate misplacement, exploitation, or wrongful use of a resident's belongings or money without consent.