Every finding on record at Maxim Healthcare Services

Maxim Healthcare Services, Chattanooga was entered on 7/19/2021 to initiate the investigation of complaint #18558. Deficiencies were cited under 42 CFR Part 484, Requirements for Home Health Agencies.

Be free from abuse CFR(s): 484.50(c)(2) Be free from verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of unknown source, neglect and misappropriation of property; This ELEMENT is not met as evidenced by: Based on agency policy review, medical record review, agency documentation review, and interview, the agency failed to ensure the right to be free from abuse, including misappropriation of property, for 1 patient (Patient #2) of 5 patients reviewed. The findings include: Review of the agency policy, “ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR EXPLOITATION” revised 4/09/2021, showed “..."...3.1 Employees who identify, notice, suspect or recognize incidences or circumstances of mistreatment...misappropriation of personal patient property...must report these observations/concerns immediately...4.6 Exploitation: Unexplained loss...any evidence that personal belongings of the patient/client are being taken without consent or approval of the patient/client...4.7...A situation in which a person willfully steals the money or property of that individual...” Medical record review revealed Patient #2 was admitted to the agency on 3/25/2019 for Hemiplegia, Cerebral Infarction, and Conjunctival Hemorrhage. Medical record review of Patient #2’s plan of care revealed, "...Certification period From: 3/19/2020 To: 5/17/2020...Maxim Healthcare Services to provide CNA [Certified Nurse's Aide]/HHA [Home Health Aide] services for 35 hours per week for 60 days..." Medical record review of the agency’s CNA mobile documentation for Patient #2 showed, CNA #1 was scheduled with Patient #2 on 3/26/2020 and 3/27/2020. Review of the agency’s investigation summary dated 5/12/2020 showed, “...On March 30, 2020, this office received a report regarding CNA [Certified Nursing Assistant] #1 who provided care to Patient #2...it was reported that CNA #1 bought alcohol and food using [Patient #2’s] credit card...and that there were two additional charges on the patient credit card that were not authorized...During an interview, CNA #1 stated that she did go to the liquor store for [Patient #2] and used [Patient #2’s] card to buy something for herself...she [CNA #1] stated this could have occurred at the grocery store as well...” Interview with Patient #2 on 7/21/2021 at 3:41 PM, he stated, “...It was deliberate. I am in the position to rely on other people...I am blind and cannot drive. There were several charges in Georgia at a Mapco for what I assume was gasoline. She [CNA #1] was sneaking and taking my wallet to buy her gas and bringing it back the next day. It was during the time that I couldn’t see at all that she did this. I caught her red handed. She did that without asking me...” Review of Patient #2’s online banking statement showed, on 3/26/2020, “...CHECK CARD PURCHASE MAPCO...ROSSVILLE GA [Georgia]...withdrawals...-$11.53...CHECK CARD PURCHASE MAPCO...ROSSVILLE GA...withdrawals...-$10.00...” Interview with Megan Gray Clinical Manager on 7/22/2021 at 12:20 PM, she stated “...Aides are not to be handling any financials of the patients...She was placed on administrative leave, and disciplinary action took place at the conclusion of the investigation. She was in violation of the code of conduct and [agency] policy which is why she was terminated...”