Failure to Verify and Maintain Nurse Aide Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that three nurse aides (CNA AB, NA G, and NA AH) had current and valid nurse aide certifications prior to and during their employment while providing resident care. CNA AB's nurse aide certification had expired, yet she continued to work and provide care to residents. Both the Administrator and Human Resources (HR) staff acknowledged oversight in verifying and maintaining up-to-date certifications. CNA AB admitted to letting her certification lapse and was in the process of renewal while still working. NA G, although having completed a nurse aide training program, had not yet obtained certification and was performing CNA duties under the supervision of a certified aide, contrary to facility and regulatory requirements. The Director of Nursing (DON) and Administrator confirmed that NA G was working on the floor as a nurse aide, and the corporate nurse stated she should have only been working as a hospitality aide until certified. NA AH was also found to be working as a full-time CNA with an expired nurse aide registry status. HR reported that NA AH had not continued her education or progress toward certification after being hired and had been repeatedly informed of the need to become certified. Despite this, NA AH worked full-time hours as a CNA until her employment ended. The facility's job description and policy required all nurse aides to be certified and for HR to verify and maintain current licensure status, but these procedures were not followed for the three individuals identified.