Failure to Verify Nursing Licenses and Nurse Aide Registry Status Prior to Employment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing licenses and nurse aide registry statuses were properly verified prior to employment for multiple staff members. Specifically, there was no documented evidence that the licenses of a registered nurse and a licensed practical nurse were checked with the State Board of Nursing before their respective start dates. Additionally, a nurse aide began employment without documented verification of her standing on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry until several days after her start date. The facility's policy required background checks and verification of licensure or registry status to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation. However, review of personnel files and staff interviews confirmed that these verifications were not completed as required, with reliance placed on a contracted company for background and licensure checks. The Human Resources/Payroll Director acknowledged that the necessary verifications were not documented prior to the staff members' start dates.