Misappropriation of Resident Property by Staff Member
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse aide (NA) misappropriated a resident's credit card and used it for unauthorized personal purchases over an extended period. The resident, admitted for short-term rehabilitation with diagnoses including diabetes, anxiety, and heart failure, was cognitively intact and required assistance with personal care. The NA initially used the resident's credit card to purchase snacks at the resident's request but continued to use the card for personal expenses, accumulating charges up to $20,000. The NA admitted to using the card for various personal needs and did not stop until the card was deactivated. The resident did not authorize the NA to use the card and believed it had been hacked. The facility became aware of the misappropriation after being contacted by the State Police, who reported the suspected exploitation. Facility documentation confirmed that the NA was employed during the period when the unauthorized charges occurred. The NA admitted to the actions during interviews, and the facility's policies clearly prohibit misappropriation of resident property. The incident was substantiated as abuse by the facility, and the NA was terminated following the investigation.