Resident Subjected to Verbal Abuse and Deprivation of Call Light by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A male resident with epilepsy and a cognitive communication deficit, who was dependent on staff for toileting hygiene, was subjected to verbal and mental abuse by a CNA during the overnight shift. The CNA entered the resident's room, made derogatory remarks such as "Shame on you" and "You are messing everybody else's night up," and placed the resident's call light out of reach, stating, "I bet you won't get it back." Video evidence captured the CNA's actions and comments, as well as the call light being left on the floor, inaccessible to the resident. The resident's care plan required staff to approach him in a calm, non-threatening manner and ensure the call light was within reach. Despite this, the CNA's behavior was observed to be contrary to these interventions. The resident was visibly upset during a subsequent interview, tearing up while the video was shown, and indicated through gestures that he felt uncared for and afraid during the incident. The family member who recorded the video reported the incident to the surveyor, who confirmed the events by viewing the footage. Staff schedules and training records confirmed that the CNA involved had completed abuse and neglect training prior to the incident. The facility's policies required call lights to be left within easy reach after care and prohibited verbal and mental abuse. The incident was not reported to facility leadership until the surveyor brought it to their attention, and there was no prior documentation of disciplinary action against the CNA involved.