Failure to Protect Resident's Personal Property from Loss
Penalty
Summary
A resident with progressive neurological conditions, cancer, non-Alzheimer's dementia, depression, and altered mental status was found to be missing personal property, specifically a wedding ring and a birthstone ring. The resident was unable to participate in interviews due to cognitive impairment, and the loss was reported by a family member. The facility's records included an inventory of personal effects from admission, which listed a ring and a watch, but there was no evidence that the inventory had been updated or that the missing items were replaced. The family reported the missing items to the facility, and documentation showed that Social Services was informed and discussed the matter with the Administrator. Despite the facility's policy requiring inventories to be completed at admission and updated as new items are acquired, staff interviews revealed that the inventory sheets were not kept current. The Social Services staff confirmed that a grievance was filed and the items were never found or replaced. The DON stated that inventory sheets should be accurate and updated, and that lost items should be replaced, but this did not occur in this case. The facility failed to protect the resident's personal property from loss or theft, as required.