Verbal Abuse and Intimidation by QMA Toward Resident
Summary
A resident reported experiencing condescending and verbally abusive remarks from a Qualified Medical Assistant (QMA). The resident stated she overheard the QMA accuse her of lying and expressed fear of retaliation if she reported the behavior. Documentation included a written statement from the QMA describing the resident as someone who complains frequently and tells stories, as well as an incident where the QMA allegedly pulled a curtain aggressively in the resident's room. The resident expressed fear for her safety and indicated she might call the police after contacting her daughter. Following these events, the resident left the facility against medical advice due to fear after allegations of verbal abuse, and a report was made to adult protective services. Multiple staff and another resident corroborated the account, stating they witnessed the QMA loudly calling the resident a liar, refusing to assist her with personal care, and behaving in a threatening manner. The resident was observed crying and visibly distressed, and another resident confirmed the QMA's refusal to help and the resident's subsequent injury while attempting to dress herself. Facility policy defines verbal abuse as the use of disparaging or derogatory language within hearing distance of residents, regardless of their ability to comprehend, and includes intimidation or actions causing mental anguish.
Penalty
Resources
Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:
The facility failed to properly position residents during meals, affecting three individuals on the secured unit. Observations showed residents in tilt wheelchairs at inappropriate angles and one resident in a low wheelchair without leg rests, unable to reach their meal. Staff did not intervene to reposition the residents, and interviews confirmed the improper positioning. The facility's policy on dignity and respect was not followed.
Improper Positioning of Residents During Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper positioning of residents during meals on the secured unit, affecting three residents. Observations revealed that two residents were seated in specialty tilt wheelchairs at angles between 60 to 75 degrees, with one resident's table height reaching their chin throughout the meal. The staff did not intervene or reposition the residents during the meal observation. Another resident was observed sitting in a low wheelchair without leg rests, with their feet dangling, and was not positioned properly at the table during breakfast. Despite staff presence, no intervention was made to reposition the resident to allow proper access to their meal. Interviews with staff confirmed the improper positioning of residents during meals. One staff member acknowledged that a resident was not positioned correctly at the table, citing concerns about the resident grabbing items off the table. The Director of Nursing verified that residents should be upright and properly positioned at an appropriate table height during meals. The facility's policy on Quality of Life - Dignity emphasizes care that promotes dignity, respect, and individuality, which was not adhered to in these instances.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.
