Failure to Prevent Misappropriation of Resident Funds by Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from misappropriation of property by allowing an assistant (AC) to access the resident's bank account, resulting in four unauthorized transactions totaling $10,250. The resident, an elderly female with a history of cerebral infarction and Alzheimer's disease, had moderate cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIMS score of 12. The resident reported that the assistant convinced her to add the assistant to her bank account under the pretense of helping with finances, but subsequently withdrew funds without the resident's knowledge or consent. Only a portion of the funds was returned to the resident. Staff interviews revealed that a certified medication aide overheard the assistant instructing the resident not to disclose information about the money and reported this to the administrator. The administrator confirmed that the assistant's name appeared on the resident's bank account and that multiple large withdrawals were made. The facility's policy required protection of residents from misappropriation and mandated background checks, but the misappropriation occurred without the facility's awareness until after the funds were taken.