Physical Abuse of Cognitively Impaired Resident by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was observed on facility video surveillance using both hands to hold a resident's shoulders while the resident was seated in a wheelchair, pulling the resident back and forth in a shaking motion. The incident occurred when no other staff or residents were present. The facility's policy defines physical abuse as hitting, slapping, punching, and kicking. The resident involved had a history of neurocognitive disorder with Lewy bodies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Parkinson's Disease, and was unable to be assessed for mental status due to cognitive decline. The resident's care plan identified them as at risk for abuse due to cognitive impairment and inability to understand their surroundings. The facility's investigation determined there was reasonable cause to believe that abuse, neglect, or mistreatment occurred, noting that the event was unwitnessed and not reported at the time. The CNA stated that the resident was attempting to enter another room and that they repositioned the resident by holding their shoulders, denying any shaking motion. The administrator, upon reviewing the video, concluded that the CNA's actions constituted abuse based on the manner in which the resident was handled.