Staff Misappropriation of Resident Jewelry
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including anemia, atrial fibrillation, and dementia, who required extensive assistance with daily living activities and rarely made decisions independently, reported missing jewelry. The resident stated that someone in pink took them to the bathroom, washed their hands, and took their rings. Facility documentation and interviews confirmed that a nurse aide was present with the resident during morning care, after which the resident noticed the rings were missing. The aide reported not seeing the rings and immediately informed the nurse when the resident raised the concern. An investigation was initiated, including interviews with the resident and staff, and notification of the police and family. The missing rings were later found at a local pawn shop in a different city, with the nurse aide's information attached. Facility policy defines misappropriation of resident property as the wrongful use of a resident's belongings without consent. The investigation substantiated that the aide had removed the resident's jewelry from the facility without permission.