Misappropriation of Resident Funds by CNA During Outing
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) used a resident's debit card to purchase personal items totaling $230.83 during an outing to a local store, without the resident's permission. The resident, a male with diagnoses including spinal stenosis, spondylosis, dementia, hypertension, Parkinsonism, and dysphagia, was assessed as having intact cognition and was able to identify which items were his and which were not. The resident reported the unauthorized purchases to the Activity Director after the outing, specifying that the CNA had bought items for herself using his funds. The Activity Director confirmed the resident's report and notified facility leadership, prompting an investigation. The CNA claimed the cashier was at fault for scanning her items with the resident's, but did not return to the facility after being suspended pending investigation. Facility records and interviews confirmed that the CNA's actions constituted misappropriation of the resident's property, as defined by facility policy, which prohibits the use of a resident's belongings or money without consent.