Failure to Complete Background Check Prior to Employment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a complete background check was conducted prior to allowing a newly hired Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to work with dependent adults. Review of personnel records showed that the CNA completed new hire orientation and began working shifts while the results of her national criminal and sex offender background checks were still pending. Additionally, her criminal history required further research, and her file lacked documentation of approval to work following the identification of misdemeanor convictions. Despite these unresolved background check issues, the CNA was scheduled and worked independently for approximately two weeks. Interviews with staff revealed a breakdown in communication between the scheduler and the Administrator regarding the status of the background check. The scheduler believed a note on the CNA's file indicated clearance to work, leading to the CNA being scheduled for shifts. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the CNA worked independently but did not personally check in on her performance. Facility policy requires that all background checks be completed and cleared before employment, and prohibits hiring individuals with findings of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or related offenses.