Verbal Abuse by DON Following Resident's Refusal of IV Therapy
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including Muscular Dystrophy, Adjustment Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, and Major Depressive Disorder, who was cognitively intact, experienced verbal abuse from the Director of Nursing (DON). The incident occurred when the resident refused a vitamin IV therapy due to feeling unwell. The DON confronted the resident in the dining room, raising her voice and expressing frustration about the cost incurred by the facility due to the refusal. Multiple witnesses, including other residents and a CNA, confirmed that the DON's tone was loud, aggressive, and could be heard across the dining room. The resident reported feeling embarrassed and angry as a result of the public confrontation. The DON acknowledged having the conversation in the dining room and admitted that her delivery was inappropriate, stating that her voice is sometimes loud. She later apologized to the resident in the same public setting. The administrator was aware of a misunderstanding regarding the IV therapy program but was not informed of the specific incident between the DON and the resident. The facility's abuse prevention policy defines abuse to include verbal abuse and intimidation resulting in mental anguish, which aligns with the events described.