Failure to Prevent Misappropriation of Resident's Credit Card
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to prevent the misappropriation of a resident's credit card, which was used without authorization by either the resident or the resident's financial guardian. The card was used for multiple unauthorized purchases over several months, totaling $348.23. The resident, who had no cognitive impairment and required staff supervision for activities of daily living, kept the card in a purse inside an unlocked dresser drawer in their room. There were no records indicating when the card was last in the resident's possession or when it was discovered missing. The resident only became aware of the missing card after being informed by their financial power of attorney. The facility's policy required immediate and thorough investigation of financial exploitation, including interviews with all staff and residents, but the Administrator only interviewed the resident and their family. Staff members were unaware that the resident had a debit card, and the facility did not have surveillance cameras. The Administrator was notified of the unauthorized charges by the resident's financial POA and subsequently reported the incident to law enforcement. The investigation by the Sheriff's office was ongoing at the time of the report.