Resident Rights Violated Due to Rough Handling by Staff
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member failed to uphold a resident's rights to a dignified existence and safe care environment. According to interviews and record reviews, a certified nurse assistant (CNA) was observed by another CNA forcefully assisting a resident with dementia, chronic kidney disease, multiple venous thromboembolisms, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis to the commode. The witness described the staff member as becoming frustrated and manhandling the resident by her armpits, then slamming her onto the commode with aggressive and excessive force. This incident resulted in physical harm to the resident. The facility's Director of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs confirmed that the staff member's behavior was considered misconduct due to the rough handling. Review of the resident's admission agreement and the facility's resident rights documentation indicated that residents are to be free from mental and physical abuse and treated with respect. The actions of the staff member violated these documented rights, as the resident was not provided care in a manner that ensured her dignity and safety.