Misappropriation of Resident Property by Transport Driver
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a transport driver took money from a resident, violating the facility's Code of Conduct, which prohibits staff from asking for or accepting tips, gifts, loans, or monetary transactions from residents or their family members. The resident, who was cognitively intact according to a recent assessment, reported that during a trip to the bank, the driver repeatedly mentioned needing money and recounted stories about his family, which led the resident to feel inclined to loan the driver $100. The driver assured the resident that he would repay the money with his next paycheck, but after about a month without repayment or contact, the resident attempted to reach the driver through facility staff. The incident came to light when the resident informed the transport clerk about the loan and provided the driver's name and description. Upon investigation, the driver admitted to taking the money but claimed it was given as a tip. The facility's records confirm that the driver accompanied the resident into the bank and engaged in conversations that influenced the resident to provide the money. The facility's policy clearly states zero tolerance for any form of misappropriation or exploitation of resident property, and this event constituted a direct violation of that policy.