Failure to Protect Resident from Misappropriation of Funds by Former CNA
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with dementia and multiple chronic conditions, who required extensive assistance with activities of daily living, was not protected from misappropriation of property. The resident's daughter discovered that a check from the resident's account, in the amount of $3,225, had been written and attempted to be deposited by a former Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who was previously employed at the facility. The check was flagged by the bank, and no funds were transferred. The incident was reported to the facility by the resident's daughter after being notified by the bank. The facility's investigation revealed that the check was missing from the resident's checkbook, with the check number sequence confirming only one check was unaccounted for. The check was made out to the former CNA and bore a signature matching the CNA's handwriting, as confirmed by the DON. The CNA had worked night shifts and was terminated for unrelated attendance issues prior to the incident being discovered. The facility was unable to determine exactly when the check was taken, but it was possible the CNA took it while the resident was sleeping. The facility's policy defined misappropriation as the wrongful use of a resident's belongings or money without consent, and the incident was substantiated as misappropriation. The police were notified, and a theft report was filed. The facility was not aware of the missing check until contacted by the resident's daughter, and the resident's checkbook was subsequently secured in the office, with access provided as needed.