Staff Misappropriation of Resident Funds
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect a resident from misappropriation of property when a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) used the resident's bank card and account information to access funds for personal benefit. The GNA admitted to withdrawing $100 at the resident's request, but denied making other withdrawals. However, a police investigation revealed 28 transactions over several months, with the GNA's name associated with withdrawals via a cash app. Bank records showed two significant withdrawals to the GNA's cash app prior to his termination. The resident confirmed that the staff member used their bank card and stated there had been no further incidents since the last event. The facility administrator was unaware of the GNA's actions until after the staff member's termination and could not confirm whether the withdrawn funds were given to the resident. The administrator also did not know the reason for the GNA's termination and was unable to provide a clear policy regarding staff obtaining money for residents. Facility policy prohibits misuse or abuse of nursing home funds, dishonesty, theft, and misrepresentation, but the events indicate that these policies were not effectively enforced in this case.