Failure to Investigate Allegations of Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate allegations of misappropriation of property for two residents. In the first case, a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and an activated Power of Attorney for Healthcare (POAHC) reported a missing iPad, which was also reported by the POAHC. The iPad was not listed on the resident's inventory sheet, but the family indicated it had been brought in. The facility's response was limited to discussing the issue in a daily standup meeting and instructing departments to ask staff if they had seen the iPad. However, there was no documentation that the resident, other residents, or staff were interviewed, and the facility confirmed that these interviews were not completed. In the second case, a resident with severe cognitive impairment and an activated POAHC was reported to have a missing watch after their passing. The POAHC filed a grievance, and the facility offered reimbursement, which was declined due to the watch's sentimental value. The facility's investigation consisted of housekeeping and nursing staff searching for the watch, but there was no documentation of interviews with other residents or staff. The facility confirmed that a thorough investigation, including interviews, was not completed for this allegation either.