Resident Physically Abused During Shower by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) physically abused a resident with severe cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The resident, who had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 3 out of 15, indicating severe cognitive impairment, was subjected to forceful handling during a shower. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the CNA forcefully turned the resident while on a shower chair, causing the resident's arm to hit the wall, and forcefully removed the resident's clothing despite the resident verbally protesting. Witnesses also observed the CNA smacking the resident's hand and pulling the resident's hair after the resident pinched the CNA's hand. Progress notes documented that the resident experienced new pain in the left shoulder and showed signs of pain following the incident. The facility's policy clearly states that residents have the right to be free from abuse, including physical abuse. The actions of the CNA, as observed and reported by other staff and documented in the resident's records, resulted in the resident experiencing physical abuse and pain.