Unverified LPN Licensure Resulting in Unqualified Nursing Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that nursing care was provided by qualified personnel in accordance with each resident’s written plan of care. During review of an employee file for an LPN hired in late September and terminated in early November, surveyors found no documentation of an active LPN license. The Administrator reported that the LPN had been hired without verification of licensure and that the facility was unable to confirm that this individual ever held an active nursing license. The Administrator further indicated that the LPN worked on all units in the facility and provided dates on which the LPN worked independently after an initial orientation period. The facility’s own documents required proof of current licensure upon application for employment and at least annually thereafter, and the LPN job description specified that the position required a current, unencumbered state LPN license. Additional policies and role descriptions referenced that an LPN must accept assignments consistent with education, training, and competency, and adhere to professional standards, facility policies, and applicable state laws and regulations. Despite these written requirements, the LPN’s personnel file lacked evidence of a valid license, and the Administrator acknowledged that licensure had not been verified before the LPN was allowed to work and provide nursing care to residents on multiple units.
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