Failure to Complete Pre-Employment Screening and License Verification for Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and follow its own policies and procedures designed to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents by not completing required pre-employment screenings for two Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) before they began working with residents. Specifically, the facility did not conduct Criminal Background Checks (CBC), Employee Disqualification List (EDL) checks, Nurse Aide (NA) Registry checks, or verify nursing licenses for these staff members prior to their shifts. The facility also did not have personnel files for these LPNs, and there was no evidence that they completed employment applications, orientation, or required education before working. Interviews with staff and the Business Office Manager confirmed that the necessary background and licensure checks were not performed for the two LPNs. The LPNs themselves stated that they were not subjected to the required screenings or onboarding processes before working their shifts, and one LPN indicated they had not worked at the facility since earlier in the year. Observations confirmed that both LPNs worked as charge nurses without the facility having completed the mandated checks or maintaining their personnel files. Further interviews with other staff, including a Certified Medication Technician and the Medical Director, reinforced that the facility's standard practice was to complete all background and registry checks before allowing new staff to work with residents. The Administrator acknowledged that the required checks were not completed for the two LPNs and was unaware of who authorized them to work. The failure to follow established policies and procedures resulted in staff working with residents without proper vetting, as required by facility policy and regulatory standards.