Failure to Prevent Verbal Abuse of Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of neurocognitive disorder with Lewy body, diabetes, and major depressive disorder was subjected to verbal abuse by a certified medication aide. The incident was witnessed and documented, with statements indicating that the aide's raised tone of voice caused the resident to become upset and cry. The resident was observed in a distressed state, speaking loudly and tearfully in a common area, expressing confusion and a need for help. The resident's assessment indicated severe impairment in daily decision-making and a low BIMS score, and the resident was receiving antipsychotic, antianxiety, and antidepressant medications at the time. The facility's policy required immediate suspension of any employee accused of abuse pending investigation. The incident was reported to the state health department, and the resident's family was notified the same evening. The administrator reviewed video footage of the incident and, based on the staff member's facial expressions and gestures, determined that verbal abuse had occurred. The facility had reported six allegations of abuse to the state health department within the past year.