Failure to Conduct Thorough Investigation of Misappropriation Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of property involving a resident who reported missing money from the top drawer of her nightstand. The resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired with a BIMS score of 11 and had diagnoses including Ulcerative Colitis, Atrial Fibrillation, and Urinary Tract Infection, was unable to specify the exact amount or date the money went missing. The allegation was reported to the Administrator, and a grievance form was completed noting the missing money, with the resident's nephew estimating the amount at no more than $6.00 over the past month. The facility's investigation included an interview with the resident, a telephone interview with the responsible party, and an observation of $6.00 hidden in a tissue box on the resident's nightstand. However, the investigation did not include interviews with staff or other residents who might have had knowledge of the incident, nor did it provide thorough documentation of all investigative steps or a comprehensive investigation summary. The Administrator confirmed that a thorough investigation should have included these elements to determine the root cause and resolution of the allegation.