Failure to Timely Report Suspected Verbal Abuse Incidents
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to timely report three separate incidents of potential verbal abuse involving residents with severe cognitive impairment. In one incident, a CNA was reported to have used vulgar and aggressive language toward a resident with non-traumatic brain dysfunction, irritability, and severely impaired cognition, telling him to sit down and calling him derogatory names. Another incident involved the same CNA calling a resident with non-Alzheimer's dementia and severe cognitive impairment a derogatory name multiple times. A third incident occurred when the CNA responded to a resident's complaint about hot water during a shower by telling her to 'shut the f*** up,' after which the resident was observed crying and expressing distress. Despite witnessing or being aware of these incidents, staff members did not immediately report the potential abuse to administrative staff. One CNA delayed reporting the incidents involving two residents until a later situation arose, citing the need to work regularly with the alleged perpetrator. Another CNA admitted to not reporting repeated verbal abuse toward a resident, despite recognizing it as inappropriate. The facility's policy required staff to report suspected abuse without fear of reprisal and to refer such concerns to the administrator for action, but this procedure was not followed in these cases.