Failure to Safeguard and Replace Resident's Personal Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to safeguard the personal property of a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and vascular dementia, resulting in the loss of the resident's cellphone. The cellphone, which was documented on the resident's belongings inventory at admission, was discovered missing during routine rounds. Staff searched the resident's closet, bag, drawer, and dresser but were unable to locate the cellphone. The loss was reported to the police and appropriate state agencies, and the value of the cellphone was confirmed by the resident's former student. Despite the facility's Theft and Loss Policy, which requires the Social Worker to arrange for replacement of missing items listed in the inventory, the resident's cellphone was not replaced. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and the Social Worker confirmed that the missing cellphone was documented in the inventory, but no replacement was provided. The facility's policy and procedure on theft and loss specifically state that the Social Worker is responsible for arranging replacement if needed, but this step was not taken in this case.