Misappropriation of Deceased Resident's Property by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) took personal property, specifically a watch and bracelet, from a deceased resident without permission. The resident had been admitted with respiratory failure with hypoxia, chronic congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, and was documented as having intact cognition and communication abilities. The facility's abuse policy defined misappropriation of property as the wrongful use of a resident's belongings without consent. The CNA claimed to have purchased the items for the resident and retrieved them after the resident's death, but could not provide proof of purchase and did not have authorization to take the items. The incident was discovered when the Director of Housekeeping raised concerns about the CNA's intent to retrieve the items before the resident's family collected the belongings. Upon investigation, the items were found missing from the resident's packed belongings. The CNA admitted to taking the items without permission, which constituted misappropriation of resident property and exploitation, as defined by facility policy and regulatory requirements.