Failure to Prevent Mental Abuse During Staff Reprimands
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from mental abuse, as evidenced by multiple accounts from residents and staff regarding the conduct of the Regional Director of Operations/Former Administrator. On several occasions, this individual lined up staff in the hallway, including in the presence of residents, and reprimanded them by yelling and pointing fingers in a manner described as demeaning, unprofessional, and intimidating. Residents who witnessed these events reported feeling upset, anxious, and stressed, with one resident experiencing such significant anxiety that he required increased oxygen during the interview and ultimately decided to transfer to another facility due to the environment. Both residents involved had documented histories of anxiety and mood disorders, with care plans specifically calling for a calming and reassuring environment to promote their psychosocial well-being. Staff corroborated the residents' accounts, noting that the administrator's approach was authoritative and instilled fear among both staff and residents. The facility's own policies and state guidelines prohibit mental abuse and require the protection of residents' rights and well-being, which were not upheld in these incidents.