Failure to Suspend Staff Following Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its abuse protocol during the investigation of an alleged physical abuse incident involving a resident and a CNA. According to the facility's policy, any staff member accused of abuse must be suspended and removed from the premises during the investigation. However, after a resident reported an allegation of physical abuse by a CNA to an LVN during the night shift, the CNA was not suspended but was instead reassigned to a different assignment for the remainder of the shift. The facility's investigation documents did not show evidence that the CNA was suspended immediately after the allegation was made. Interviews with staff confirmed that the CNA continued to work in the facility after the allegation, although not directly with the resident who made the report. The LVN and RN involved in the incident acknowledged that the CNA was not suspended and that the Administrator was not informed immediately after the allegation. The resident involved had the capacity to make their own medical decisions, and an assessment following the report showed no injury. The Administrator later acknowledged the findings of the investigation.