Every finding on record at Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.

Based on record review, staff interview, and policy review, the Agency failed to ensure that a Nurse Aide Registry background check was conducted prior to hire for 2 (Employee #1 and #3) of 6 employees personnel records reviewed. Findings Include: --- Review of the Massachusetts Regulation 105 CMR 155.000: Patient and Resident Abuse Prevention, Reporting, Investigation, Penalties and Registry Section: 105CMR 155.010 (E)(3) included the following: *All home health agencies, homemaker agencies, and hospice programs shall contact the Registry prior to hiring an individual who will provide direct care to patients or have access to patients or their property to ascertain if there is any sanction, finding or adjudicated finding of patient or resident abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of patient or resident property against the prospective employee. Review of the facility policy entitled, Employment and Recruitment, lasted reviewed on August 29, 2024, indicated the following, but not limited to: *SHS objectives of the employment process are to establish a uniform process for filling job vacancies within SHS and ensure our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities regarding employment and promotional opportunities, maintain position control, and maintain necessary information for federal and state reporting. Review of personnel records indicated that Employee #1 was hired on 4/17/23. Further review of Employee #1's personnel record indicated that a Nurse Aide registry check had not been conducted. Review of personnel records indicated that Employee #3 was hired on 6/20/2022. Further review of Employee #3's personnel record indicated that a Nurse Aide registry check had not been conducted. During an interview on 9/19/24 at 2:10 P.M., the HR Business Partner said she was unable to located the Nurse Aide registry checks for the two employees. During an interview on 9/19/24 at 2:15 P.M., the Director said it is the responsibility of the Talent Acquisition Team to conduct CORI and Nurse Aide registry checks prior to employment.