F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
G

Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse

Mountain City Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterHazleton, Pennsylvania Survey Completed on 07-10-2024

Summary

The facility failed to protect two residents from abuse, resulting in significant deficiencies. Resident 16, who was severely cognitively impaired with a BIMS score of 7, was involved in a non-consensual sexual encounter with Resident 91, who was cognitively intact. The incident occurred when a nurse aide discovered both residents naked in Resident 16's room. Despite Resident 16's severe cognitive impairment, which rendered her unable to consent, Resident 91 admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with her. The facility's investigation revealed that Resident 16 had no recollection of the event, and her cognitive impairment was further confirmed by a subsequent BIMS score of 3. Additionally, the facility failed to protect Resident 106, who was also severely cognitively impaired, from physical abuse by Resident 12. An incident report indicated that Resident 12, who had a history of intermittent explosive disorder, was observed hitting Resident 106 in the stomach. Although no physical injuries were noted, the incident was witnessed by another resident, and both residents were subsequently separated and placed under increased supervision. The facility's failure to prevent this physical abuse resulted in psychosocial harm and humiliation for Resident 106. The nursing home administrator confirmed the facility's failure to ensure the safety and protection of Residents 16 and 106 from abuse. The facility's policies on abuse prohibition were not effectively implemented, leading to these incidents of sexual and physical abuse. The report highlights the facility's inability to safeguard its residents, particularly those with severe cognitive impairments, from harm and abuse by other residents.

Penalty

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Resources

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See other F0600 citations
Failure to Protect Resident During Transfer Resulted in Right Tibia Fracture
G
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

An agency NA forcefully pushed a wheelchair-bound resident through a doorway while the resident was caught in the frame, causing the resident’s foot to strike both shins and resulting in bruising, swelling, pain, and an acute right tibia fracture. The resident had dementia, muscle weakness, and required assistance with mobility and transfers. CCTV and the facility’s investigation showed the NA did not follow safety measures during the transfer.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Prevent Resident-to-Resident Abuse During Constant Observation
J
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

A resident with dementia and a history of aggression assaulted another resident in a hallway, pushing him from a chair onto the floor and then attempting to strike him with a chair while a third resident was nearby. Staff on constant observation and another observer did not intervene until after the resident had already been pushed down, despite the resident being on enhanced supervision for prior resident-to-resident altercations. Both residents had severe cognitive impairment, and interviews showed the assigned aide did not understand the urgency of the constant observation role.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Delayed Reporting of Resident-on-Resident Sexual Abuse
J
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

Delayed reporting of resident-on-resident sexual abuse allowed continued nonconsensual sexual contact. A resident with schizophrenia and moderate cognitive impairment reported that his roommate kissed, touched, and sexually assaulted him without consent, while the roommate admitted to sexual contact. A nurse aide heard the allegation but did not report it right away, and the unit manager later confirmed the delay.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Respond to Alleged Sexual Abuse and Assess Resident Distress
J
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

Failure to respond appropriately to an alleged sexual abuse incident: a resident with intact cognition alleged a CNA raped them during incontinence care, but the resident remained in the facility for hours without a documented medical or psychosocial assessment. The CNA said they provided care and applied ointment to the resident’s groin and vaginal area, while video showed the CNA in the room for 36 minutes. The resident was later tearful, fearful, and distrustful of staff, and the DON and admin did not report the allegation to DOH because the resident later described rough handling.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Maintain Separation Between Residents With Known History of Aggression
G
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

Failure to Maintain Separation Between Residents With Known Aggression: A resident with a known hx of resident-to-resident physical aggression struck another resident in the head with a cane in the dining room, causing a bump, laceration, and bruising. The assaulted resident was non-ambulatory, dependent on staff for transfers, and had dementia, while the aggressive resident had intact cognition, used a cane, and had a care plan for prior physical altercations. Staff placed the residents in the same area with limited supervision, and the aggressive resident stated the other resident deserved it and that he would hit him again.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Verbal Abuse During Hospital Discharge Discussions
G
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

A resident with stroke-related diagnoses and cognitive intact status was transferred to the hospital for weakness, dizziness, pallor, and low K+. After the resident was stable for return, the DON and administrator went to the hospital and, along with the owner and corporate administrator on speaker phone, were reported by the resident and hospital staff to have yelled, been rude and aggressive, and told the resident the facility would not take the resident back because of behaviors and money owed. The resident stated feeling pressured, outnumbered, and insignificant.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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