Failure to Complete Pre-Employment Background Check for CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse prevention program policy and procedure by not verifying a potential candidate's background check for a history of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment prior to employment. Specifically, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was hired and began working without a completed and accurate background check. The CNA's file contained a record indicating a registered sex offender, but the name and date of birth on this record did not match the CNA's identification. The Director of Staff Development (DSD) acknowledged that the pre-employment verification process should have ensured the accuracy of the CNA's name and date of birth before the employee's start date, but was unsure how the incorrect document was included in the file. During interviews, the DSD and the Director of Nurses (DON) both confirmed that the required background check was not properly completed, and the DON stated that failing to conduct an employee background check puts residents at risk of abuse and is a safety concern. Review of the facility's Abuse Prevention Program policy indicated that thorough employee background checks are required and that individuals convicted of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment should not be employed. The facility's failure to follow this policy had the potential for mistreatment, neglect, misappropriation of property, and abuse of residents.