Failure to Verify RN Employment Eligibility and License Status
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that a registered nurse (RN) employed as the Director of Nursing (DON) had the required documentation to work in Missouri. Review of the RN's employee file showed no documentation confirming eligibility to work at the facility, and the facility's policies did not provide guidance on verifying eligibility to work in the state. The RN, who was from another country and on a school visa, was unable to renew their nursing license due to issues with immigration paperwork. Despite this, the RN continued to be paid for regular hours and participated in facility activities such as a science fair and reviewing referrals, while using paid time off. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the RN's license became inactive after the loss of their visa, and the human resources manager did not verify the RN's employment eligibility status. The administrator and HR manager acknowledged that the RN was not eligible to work once the visa and license issues arose, but the RN remained on payroll and performed some tasks until the situation was brought to their attention. The RN was ultimately terminated after it was confirmed that they were no longer eligible for employment.