Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including schizophrenia, mood disorder, anxiety, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and mild intellectual disabilities was identified as having the potential to be physically and verbally aggressive, as documented in their care plan. Despite this known risk, the resident was involved in an incident where they struck another resident in the face with a closed fist while in the hallway near the front lobby. The altercation was witnessed by the Director of Nursing, who confirmed the aggressive behavior and noted the resident's history of both verbal and physical aggression toward staff and other residents. The facility's policy requires that all residents be protected from abuse, including abuse by other residents. However, the incident demonstrates a failure to protect one resident from physical abuse by another, as the aggressive resident was able to physically strike another resident. Both residents were separated and debriefed after the incident, and it was documented that neither sustained injuries. The event was recorded as an allegation of abuse, and the relevant parties were notified.