Failure to Protect Resident's Property from Theft
Penalty
Summary
A cognitively intact resident was admitted to the facility and, according to the quarterly Minimum Data Set, was able to make independent decisions. The resident reported being unable to lock the top drawer of their nightstand and stated that they had made at least two requests for maintenance to install a lock, which were not fulfilled. The resident kept $376 in the top drawer, with another resident as a witness to the amount. After being hospitalized for several days, the resident returned to find only one dollar remaining in the drawer. The missing money was immediately reported to the Social Services Director. Facility staff interviews revealed that the Social Services Director received the complaint and reported it to their supervisor but did not notify law enforcement or initiate a formal investigation, only speaking to the witness who denied seeing the money. The Business Office Manager was aware the resident had cash in the room and encouraged the use of a facility trust account, but did not verify the security of the drawer. The Maintenance Director was unaware of any request for a lock and confirmed the drawer was not lockable. The administrator, newly in position, acknowledged the incident should have been investigated and reported. Documentation confirmed the resident's report of theft and the lack of a secure storage solution for their belongings.