Unlicensed CNA Allowed to Provide Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that employed CNAs were properly certified with the State of Ohio, as required by facility policy and state regulations. Personnel record review showed that CNA #13 was originally hired as a housekeeper and later completed an online Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), but there was no evidence she had obtained state certification. Timecard review for February 2026 showed CNA #13 worked multiple 12-hour shifts providing care. Review of the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry confirmed there was no current or expired CNA license for CNA #13. The facility’s policy on required training and certification stated that nurse aides must have successfully completed a state-approved NATCEP and either be awaiting certification results or be enrolled in a state-approved NATCEP within the first four months of employment, with certification to be verified through the state registry. Interviews further confirmed that CNA #13 was not licensed and was nonetheless providing personal care to residents. The DON acknowledged that CNA #13 had completed an online CNA program but never took the state test for licensure and verified that she was not licensed as a CNA. CNA #13 herself confirmed she was not licensed, was providing personal care, and reported that her scheduled state test had been cancelled during a government shutdown, and that the DON and Human Resources were not aware she had not completed the state test. Human Resources staff confirmed CNA #13 was not licensed and stated they failed to follow up after her test was cancelled. The facility census at the time was 65 residents, and the failure to ensure proper CNA licensure had the ability to affect all residents.
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