Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of misappropriation of property involving a resident who was admitted with a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and had moderate cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 10. Upon admission, the resident had $669.00 in their wallet, which was placed by a charge nurse in a double-locked narcotic drawer in a medication cart, as directed by a unit manager. When the charge nurse returned several days later, the money was missing, and the unit manager denied moving it. The incident was reported to the Administrator and Director of Nursing after the resident inquired about the missing money. Facility investigation documents showed that several staff members who had access to the medication cart during the relevant period were not interviewed, and there was no evidence of statements or interview details for most of the nurses identified as having access. The facility's policy required a thorough investigation, including interviews with all staff who may have had contact with the resident or knowledge of the incident. Both the DON and Administrator acknowledged that the investigation was not thorough, as required by facility policy.