Failure to Complete Required Employee Background Checks Prior to Employment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its policies and procedures regarding the screening of employees for a prior history of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of resident property. Specifically, one of thirteen employee files reviewed, belonging to a registered nurse, did not contain a completed Background Information Disclosure (BID), Department of Justice (DOJ) response, or Government Findings report prior to the employee starting work. The facility's own policy requires that background checks be conducted and prohibits the employment of individuals with findings of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation. During the survey, it was discovered that several personnel files were missing required documentation, and a facility-wide review was underway to identify which files were incomplete. However, as of the time of the survey, no missing documentation had been updated, and no list of affected employees was provided to the surveyor. The deficiency was identified through record review and staff interviews, confirming that the required background checks were not completed before the registered nurse began employment.