CNA Worked Without Active Registration Due to HR Oversight
Penalty
Summary
A review of personnel files, the Ohio State Tested Nursing Aide Registry, staff interviews, and facility policy revealed that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was allowed to work without a current and active registration. The CNA's registry had expired, and she was not eligible to work as a state tested nursing assistant during the period in question. Despite this, the facility's staffing schedule showed that the CNA continued to work multiple shifts after her registration had lapsed. The lapse occurred after the CNA initially submitted her resignation, leading Human Resources to remove her renewal information from the system. When the CNA decided to remain employed, her renewal information was not re-entered, resulting in the expiration of her registration. Facility policy required removal from the work schedule and suspension without pay for employees with expired licensure or certification, but this was not followed, allowing the CNA to continue working without valid credentials. This deficiency had the potential to affect all residents in the facility.