Failure to Complete Required Background Check Research for CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete the required additional research for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) whose background check indicated further investigation was necessary. The CNA was hired and had a background check completed, which documented that additional research was required. However, the employee file did not contain the Department of Human Services (DHS) release indicating whether the CNA was eligible to work in the facility following the additional criminal history research. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the process for handling flagged background checks involved notifying the employee, collecting additional paperwork, and waiting for DHS results before allowing the individual to work. Despite this, the necessary documentation was missing from the CNA's file, and the Administrator was unable to locate the DHS work letter. The facility's policy stated that background checks would be completed and individuals with a history of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation would not be employed, but this procedure was not followed in this instance.