Failure to Employ Qualified Full-Time Social Worker in Facility Licensed for Over 120 Beds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to hire and employ a full-time social worker who met the regulatory requirements for a facility licensed for more than 120 beds. Specifically, the facility was licensed for 160 beds, but the individual in the social services director position held a bachelor's degree in psychology rather than in social work, and did not have the required one year of supervised experience in a healthcare setting. Another staff member working in a social services role also did not have a degree. The facility's job description for the social worker position required a bachelor's degree in social work and a state social work license, but the current staff member did not meet these qualifications. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the facility's census had never reached 120 residents, and staff believed that having two staff members in social services roles was sufficient to meet regulatory requirements. However, regulatory review confirmed that the requirement for a qualified full-time social worker applies to facilities with more than 120 beds, regardless of current census. The report also referenced related concerns with residents not receiving necessary care and services for mood, behavior, and psychosocial needs, as outlined in F656 and F740.