Failure to Complete Required Reference Checks for New Hires
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse prohibition policy by not conducting thorough investigations of prospective employees' employment histories for two out of five newly hired staff members. Specifically, the personnel records for a housekeeper and a cook did not contain any evidence that the facility attempted to obtain personal or professional reference information, as required by facility policy. The policies reviewed stated that background and reference checks must be completed and documented prior to employment offers, but these steps were not followed for the two employees in question. These findings were confirmed by the human resources staff member, who acknowledged the lack of reference checks in the personnel files. The deficiency was identified through a review of facility policies, personnel records, and staff interviews, and was discussed with the Nursing Home Administrator. The report cites violations of state code regarding management and personnel policies and procedures.