Failure to Complete Required Staff Background Checks Prior to Employment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse prevention policy by not ensuring that required background checks and documentation were completed for five of eight employees reviewed. Specifically, one CNA began working and completed multiple shifts before filling out a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form and before the Department of Justice (DOJ) background check was obtained. Additionally, this CNA did not have an Integrated Background Information System (IBIS) report on file. Two other staff members, a CNA and a Dietary Aide, also lacked IBIS reports in their background check files. Another CNA had not had a background check completed within the last four years, as required by state law. For one RN, the DOJ and IBIS reports were completed before the BID form was signed, which is not in accordance with policy or legal requirements. The facility's Employee Screening policy and Wisconsin State Statute 50.065 require that all caregivers have completed background checks, including BID forms, DOJ reports, and IBIS reports, prior to employment and at least every four years thereafter. During interviews, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that several required background checks and forms were missing or completed out of order, and that some staff began working before these checks were finalized. The administrator also acknowledged a lack of awareness regarding the missing documentation and confirmed the sequence of events that led to the deficiency.