F0610

D

Failure to Investigate Alleged Misappropriation of Resident’s Personal Property

Wallingford, Connecticut Survey Completed on 03-16-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to conduct and document a complete and thorough investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of a resident’s personal property. The resident had Type 2 diabetes, non-pressure chronic skin ulcers, and a history of malignant neoplasm of the bladder, with a BIMS score of 12 indicating moderately impaired cognition. The resident’s care plan identified a risk for falls and directed staff to anticipate needs and keep personal items within reach. A representative (Person #1) reported the resident’s missing electronic tablet to the Administrator approximately one month before the survey. However, review of the clinical record, facility documentation, and social service progress notes over a more than two-month period showed no documentation that an investigation into the missing tablet was initiated or completed.

The social worker reported that the resident’s conservator (Person #2) informed her that the resident’s tablet was missing after a hospital stay and that a replacement was needed, but she stated she was never told the device was stolen and did not document this communication in the medical record. Person #2 stated that the tablet was stolen while the resident was in the hospital and that he/she notified the Administrator, who said the facility would investigate the missing device. Interviews with the DNS, Administrator, and social worker confirmed that no investigation had been completed regarding the missing tablet. This lack of investigation and documentation occurred despite the facility’s abuse policy requiring that alleged violations be reported to the Administrator, with notification to the state agency and others, and that the social service representative provide a written report of findings through social service progress notes in the medical record.