Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of resident property involving a resident with intact cognition and significant medical conditions, including quadriplegia and depression. The resident reported that a staff member was asked to hold a large sum of money, which was later reported stolen from the staff member's home. The staff member admitted to taking the money, and the incident was substantiated by the facility. Despite the admission, the investigation was not comprehensive. Not all cognitively intact residents were interviewed regarding similar issues, and not all facility and therapy staff received in-service education on misappropriation of resident property or funds. Several staff members, including CNAs and therapy staff, demonstrated a lack of understanding about misappropriation and its classification as a form of resident abuse. Some staff members were unaware of the incident or had not received any related training or education following the event. Additionally, the resident who reported the incident did not receive consistent monitoring or safety checks during the investigation process. The facility's own policy required timely and thorough investigations and monitoring of the resident's emotional well-being during such incidents, but these steps were not fully implemented. The administrator acknowledged that the investigation was limited due to the staff member's admission and confirmed that key investigative and monitoring actions were not completed.