Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident. The incident took place in the dining area, where a male resident with a history of Schizophrenia, Seizures, Depression, Scoliosis, and PTSD, and a BIMS score of 15/15, was physically assaulted by another male resident diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, Diabetes 2, Anxiety, and Epilepsy, also with a BIMS score of 15/15. The altercation resulted in the first resident sustaining a bleeding lip, a bump to the right temporal area, and complaints of pain in his leg and arm. The assaulted resident reported feeling traumatized and fearing for his life during the incident. The report details that the altercation occurred when the first resident walked past the other resident's table, leading to the second resident knocking him to the floor and punching him multiple times in the face. Staff, including kitchen personnel, were present in the area but did not intervene during the incident. The assaulted resident's roommate intervened to stop the attack. The resident reported the incident to the DON, and nursing staff provided immediate care for his injuries, including treating his lip and applying ice to his head. The police were called but did not take action, and the resident was sent to the hospital but left before being evaluated due to a long wait. Documentation and interviews confirm that the facility was aware of the altercation and the injuries sustained. The resident was assessed by nursing staff, and the physician was notified. X-rays were ordered and returned negative for fractures. The incident was reported in facility documentation, and it was noted that the resident had no prior history of physical altercations. The facility's abuse prevention policy states that residents have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, but this right was not upheld in this instance.