Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Alleged Misappropriation of Resident Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a thorough investigation of alleged misappropriation of funds for two residents. In the first case, a resident reported that two unidentified individuals entered her room and took her debit card under the pretense of purchasing snacks, but never returned. The facility's investigation did not document efforts to obtain the resident's banking information or verify if unauthorized charges occurred. Additionally, the investigation did not include interviews with staff or family members, nor did it follow up with law enforcement regarding the status of the case. The investigation was closed after the resident was discharged, without determining if other residents were at risk. In the second case, another resident reported unauthorized transactions from his bank account, including significant online money transfers and food delivery charges. The facility's investigation did not document efforts to identify the recipients of these transactions or review relevant banking records. Although the incident was reported to the police, there was no documentation of follow-up with law enforcement. The investigation also failed to include interviews with staff members who may have had relevant information and did not obtain statements from the business office manager, who managed the resident's funds. Both residents involved were cognitively intact according to their assessments, and both required assistance with activities of daily living. The facility's documentation was incomplete, lacking details of investigative steps taken, such as attempts to contact family members, review of financial records, and interviews with all relevant parties. The investigations were closed without sufficient evidence to substantiate or unsubstantiated the allegations, and without ensuring that all investigative avenues were pursued.