Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Missing Property Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation into an incident involving missing property reported by a resident's representative. The incident involved a resident with multiple diagnoses, including vascular dementia, depression, anxiety, and cognitive communication deficit, who had been residing in the facility for long-term care since October 2019. The resident reported approximately $500 missing from a lock box kept in their room. The facility's investigation included interviews with staff but did not include interviews with other residents who may have been potential witnesses or victims, despite the possibility that they could have relevant information. During interviews, the Nursing Home Administrator and Chief Operating Officer confirmed that resident interviews were not conducted, citing that the resident typically kept their room door closed and had the only key to the lock box. However, the lack of resident interviews was acknowledged as a concern by both administrators, and it was noted that the facility had not fully explored all possibilities regarding the missing funds. The deficiency was identified due to the incomplete investigative process, specifically the omission of resident interviews.