Staff-to-Resident Abuse: Physical and Verbal Aggression by CMA
Penalty
Summary
A certified medication aide (CMA) engaged in staff-to-resident abuse involving a female resident with a primary diagnosis of dementia and secondary diagnoses including parkinsonism, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. The resident was cognitively intact according to her most recent assessment and had no documented behavioral symptoms directed toward others. The incident occurred when the resident, while holding a glass of water, called the CMA a derogatory name. In response, the CMA threatened the resident and then slapped the glass of water out of her hand, causing the resident to cry and experience psychosocial harm. Multiple staff members witnessed or were informed of the incident. A family nurse practitioner (FNP) overheard the escalating exchange and the subsequent slapping sound, after which the resident began to cry and requested that staff call the police. Another nurse (RN) confirmed witnessing the CMA slap the glass of water from the resident's hand, resulting in water spilling on the resident and the floor. The resident was emotionally upset but did not sustain physical injuries. The CMA admitted to the action during an interview with the facility administrator, stating it was in response to being called a derogatory name by the resident. The facility's abuse policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, including physical and mental abuse, and defines abuse as the willful infliction of injury or punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. The incident was confirmed as abuse by the facility's investigation, and the CMA was terminated. The report documents that the resident was emotionally distressed following the incident, and staff interviews confirmed that the expected standard of redirecting residents and not reacting physically was not followed in this case.