Failure to Screen Staff for Disqualifying Offenses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff hired were free of disqualifying offenses as required by Ohio law and facility policy. During a review of personnel files, it was found that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was hired despite having a background report showing charges for aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and domestic violence, all occurring in Ohio. Additionally, a Maintenance Supervisor was hired with a background report indicating prior charges for aggravated robbery and drug abuse. These findings were confirmed during an interview with the Human Resource Manager, who acknowledged that the disqualifying offenses were disregarded during the hiring process. The facility's policy requires background checks to be conducted in accordance with Ohio law and to verify that applicants are not excluded from federally funded programs. However, the review revealed that these procedures were not followed for two out of eleven personnel files reviewed, potentially affecting all 59 residents in the facility. The deficiency was identified during a complaint investigation and was substantiated by documentation and interviews.