Failure to Complete Required Background Check Prior to Staff Employment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse prevention policy by not ensuring a complete background check, including fingerprinting, was performed for a newly hired LPN. The personnel file for the LPN showed that while a fingerprint appointment was scheduled, there was no documentation that the fingerprinting was actually completed. The LPN began orientation and training at the facility and participated in several training days without the required fingerprint-based criminal history check being finalized. During interviews, the Human Resources coordinator confirmed that the LPN did not attend the scheduled fingerprint appointment and that no fingerprints were on file. The coordinator stated that they tracked and followed up on the process weekly but did not have evidence of completed fingerprints for the LPN. The administrator was made aware of the issue and acknowledged the concern. State law requires that fingerprint-based background checks be completed before employment for individuals with direct resident access, and the facility did not retain verification of compliance for this staff member.