Late Submission of Investigation Results Following Alleged Misappropriation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report the results of an investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of property within the required five working days to the State Survey Agency, as mandated by both facility policy and state regulation. Specifically, a resident with diagnoses including Multiple Sclerosis and Adult Failure to Thrive, and assessed as cognitively intact, reported to a social worker that a significant sum of money was missing and alleged that a certified nursing assistant had taken it during care. The complaint was documented, and an investigation was initiated. The investigation concluded that there was no corroborating evidence to support the resident's claim, as the accused staff member was not assigned to the resident's unit during the relevant period. Despite completing the investigation, the facility did not submit the findings to the New York State Department of Health within the required five working days, instead submitting the report on the same day the investigation was completed, which was after the deadline. Interviews with facility leadership confirmed awareness of the late submission.