Failure to Prevent Misappropriation of Resident Property by Staff
Penalty
Summary
A staff member, identified as Nurse Aide #1 and employed through an agency, took checks belonging to a resident without the resident's knowledge. One of the checks was cashed for $1,000, and additional checks were presented for cashing. The incident came to light when the resident's Responsible Party, who also held Power of Attorney, was notified by the bank about the suspicious activity. The Responsible Party then informed the facility and law enforcement, leading to an investigation. The resident had approximately five checks with her at the facility, and the bank ultimately refunded the lost funds after the account was closed. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the Business Office Manager was unaware that the resident had checks in her possession, and it was noted that residents are discouraged from keeping cash, checks, or credit cards on their person. Law enforcement confirmed that Nurse Aide #1 was arrested and charged in connection with the fraudulent checks. The facility's internal investigation substantiated the misappropriation, and the nurse aide's employment was terminated. The deficiency was identified as a failure to protect the resident's right to be free from misappropriation of property.