Failure to Protect Resident from Verbal Abuse by Agency Staff
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect a resident from verbal abuse, as evidenced by an incident observed by a state surveyor. During the incident, an agency Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), identified as Staff #22, was seen pointing at a resident in bed and repeatedly calling the resident 'crazy.' The GNA also blamed the resident for causing her to fall behind in her work and refused to identify herself when asked by the surveyor. The GNA was not wearing a name tag at the time of the incident. The surveyor documented that the GNA continued to verbally abuse the resident even after the surveyor identified herself. The facility's internal investigation included a review of Staff #22's statement, in which she did not acknowledge calling the resident 'crazy.' The Administrator confirmed the occurrence of abuse and noted that the Maryland Board of Nursing was notified. The incident involved an agency staff member who became upset during questioning and left the interview prematurely. The report does not provide additional details about the resident's medical history or condition at the time of the incident.