Failure to Timely Report Alleged Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an allegation of misappropriation of a resident's property was reported to the State Survey Agency within the required 24-hour timeframe. Specifically, a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions, including COPD, respiratory failure, and type 2 diabetes, was reported by a family member to be missing a gold wedding ring. The ring was noticed missing after the resident returned from a hospital stay, and staff were unable to determine its whereabouts despite searching the resident's room, belongings, and laundry, and questioning CNAs and hospice aides. The incident was documented in the facility's grievance resolution form, and a replacement ring was purchased for the resident. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting of misappropriation of resident property, the missing ring was not reported to the State Survey Agency within 24 hours. Interviews with staff, including the LSW, DON, and Administrator, revealed that the incident was not reported because the family member did not explicitly state the ring was stolen and was satisfied with the replacement. However, the Administrator did report the missing ring to the local police department within 24 hours. The failure to report the incident to the State Survey Agency as required constituted a deficiency in the facility's handling of alleged misappropriation.