CNA Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) removed a resident's debit card from her purse without permission and used it at multiple locations for unauthorized purchases. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 and had a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with acute exacerbation, reported that her card was used at liquor stores, gift shops, and a hotel. The CNA was identified through interviews and confirmation from a local hotel registry, as well as his own admission to using the card for various purchases including gas, liquor, food, and a hotel room. The incident was discovered after the resident's bank notified her of suspicious activity, and the facility's administrator was informed of the missing card and unauthorized charges. The facility's abuse and neglect policy defines misappropriation of resident property as the wrongful use of a resident's belongings or money without consent. The CNA provided conflicting accounts during interviews but ultimately admitted to using the resident's card. The incident was reported to local law enforcement, the State Agency, and the Attorney General's Office. The resident pressed charges, and the bank reimbursed her for the stolen funds. The facility did not have video surveillance to further support the investigation.