LPN Worked with Expired License
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all licensed staff maintained a current and active license while working, as required by state law. An LPN worked at the facility with an expired license, performing nursing duties such as administering medications and providing resident care. Multiple observations confirmed the LPN was actively working on various units and administering medications to residents during the period when her license was not active. Interviews with facility staff revealed gaps in the process for verifying and monitoring licensure status. The Administrator acknowledged that the LPN's license had expired at the beginning of the year and that she continued to work and perform nursing duties during the lapse. The Director of Nursing was unaware of the expired license and stated that corporate typically checks licenses at hire and at renewal, but did not retain proof of renewal. The Assistant Director of Nursing also was not aware of the lapse until after the LPN was suspended. Documentation reviewed included the LPN job description, which requires a current, valid state license, and census records confirming the facility had 73 residents at the time. The failure to ensure all licensed staff had current credentials had the potential to affect all residents in the facility.