Failure to Investigate Alleged Misappropriation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of misappropriation involving one resident. According to facility policy, any alleged violation, including misappropriation of resident property, requires an immediate and comprehensive investigation, including identification and interviews of all involved parties and complete documentation. In this case, a resident with intact cognition and a history of psychiatric and medical conditions reported to staff and left a voicemail for the DON that a nurse aide had told the resident they owed the aide five dollars and subsequently made a comment implying withdrawal of assistance. The resident expressed fear of the aide following the incident. The DON acknowledged awareness of the incident and confirmed speaking with both the resident and the nurse aide on the day of the report. The DON instructed the aide not to enter the resident's room but did not conduct a thorough written investigation, as required by facility policy. The DON stated the aide was joking and did not believe the incident constituted abuse or required reporting, especially since the resident did not wish to file a grievance. As a result, the facility did not complete the necessary investigative steps or documentation for the alleged misappropriation.