Failure to Report Alleged Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of misappropriation of property involving a resident who was cognitively intact and had a diagnosis of flaccid hemiplegia affecting the left nondominant side. The resident reported that an antenna, which was magnetically mounted outside her room, was stolen while she was napping. Another resident witnessed a staff member, identified as the Wound Care Nurse/PM Supervisor, cut the wires and take the antenna. The resident reported the missing antenna to the Administrator, who stated he would replace it, but the antenna was not replaced, and the resident remained without it. Upon review, it was found that the Administrator was informed of the allegation but did not report the incident to the State of Wisconsin as required. The Administrator also acknowledged that the investigation file was incomplete and was unaware that the replacement order for the antenna had been canceled by Corporate until the issue was raised during the complaint survey. The accused staff member denied involvement, stating she was not present at the facility when the incident occurred. The facility's policy requires reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or misappropriation to state authorities, but this protocol was not followed in this case.