Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

How often must a facility inventory a resident's belongings accepted by the facility for safekeeping?

1. Never, the facility is not permitted to receive and store any of the resident's personal property.

2. Monthly

3. Quarterly

4. On an ongoing basis

The correct answer is: On an ongoing basis

The requirement for a facility to inventory a resident's belongings that have been accepted for safekeeping is crucial for maintaining proper oversight and accountability. An ongoing inventory process ensures that all items are regularly accounted for, and it helps to safeguard the resident’s personal property against loss, damage, or misappropriation. This practice aligns with regulatory standards aimed at protecting resident rights and ensuring that facilities provide a safe and secure environment for their belongings. By keeping an ongoing inventory, the facility can quickly identify any discrepancies or changes in the status of the resident’s possessions. This ongoing management system fosters transparency and builds trust with residents and their families, as they can be confident that their personal items are being appropriately cared for by the facility. In contrast, the idea that a facility should never inventory belongings does not reflect common regulations or best practices, as personal property management is a fundamental aspect of residential care. Similarly, having less frequent inventory intervals such as monthly or quarterly may not provide sufficient oversight either, as it could lead to potential issues going unnoticed for extended periods.