Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse by Roommate
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident's right to be free from physical abuse was not protected. One resident, who had a history of stroke and difficulty speaking but demonstrated normal cognition, was subjected to physical abuse by his roommate. The roommate, who had a seizure disorder, stroke, and moderate cognitive impairment, threw a hard plastic cup filled with thickened liquid at the first resident's face during an argument. This incident resulted in the resident being covered in fluid and left a red mark on his cheek. The event was witnessed and documented by nursing staff, and both residents confirmed the altercation during interviews. The facility's policy states that residents have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Despite this, the incident occurred following a disagreement between the two residents, with the aggressor stating the action was in response to a dispute over cigarettes. The Director of Nursing confirmed the details of the incident and acknowledged the resulting injury. The report identifies this as a failure to protect the resident from physical abuse as required by facility policy.