Failure to Ensure Nurse Aide Maintained Current Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a nurse aide, CNA E, had a current and valid nurse aide certification while employed and actively providing care to residents. Record review showed that CNA E's nurse aide certification had expired, and she continued to work her normal full-time shifts, except for four days of paid time off, during the period her certification was not valid. The Business Office Manager (BOM) and Administrator were unaware of the expired certification until it was brought to their attention by another staff member. The facility did not have a policy in place regarding nurse aide certification renewal, expirations, or registry verification, and relied on an annual employee checklist that was supposed to be completed for all employees. Interviews revealed that CNA E was unaware her certification had expired, believing the facility would handle the renewal as her previous employer had done. She also indicated that her work schedule prevented her from seeking assistance with the renewal process. The Administrator confirmed that the facility and corporate office monitor for expiring certifications, but CNA E did not appear on their lists, and there was no explanation for why her certification was not renewed on time. The lack of a clear policy and monitoring process contributed to CNA E working for several months with an expired certification.