Failure to Post Employee Rights Against Retaliation for Reporting Crimes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a notice of employees' rights against retaliation for reporting crimes against residents was posted in a conspicuous location, as required by the United States Social Security Act Title XI, Part A, Section 1150B(d)(3). Observations conducted in the employee common areas revealed that there was no signage related to employees' rights against retaliation for reporting suspected crimes. This was confirmed during multiple interviews with facility staff, including an LPN, the DON, and a Registered Nurse/Treatment Nurse, all of whom indicated that they had not seen such signage posted in the facility. Further, the facility administrator confirmed that there was no evidence to show that the required sign had ever been posted in a conspicuous location. The absence of this signage means that staff were not provided with the mandated information regarding their rights and the process for filing complaints if they experienced retaliation for reporting suspected crimes against residents. No information about specific residents or their medical conditions was included in the report.