Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity During Medical Crisis
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to treat a resident with dignity and respect during a medical crisis. The resident, who had severely impaired cognitive skills, was non-ambulatory, always incontinent of urine, frequently incontinent of bowels, and had multiple diagnoses including dementia, diabetes, and end stage renal disease. During an incident where Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called for a leg injury, a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) repeatedly told the confused and anxious resident that her legs would be cut off at the hospital and made additional inappropriate comments, such as stating the resident could not die because there was no one to fill her room. These statements caused the resident to become very scared and agitated during the EMS assessment. The EMS provider present during the incident reported being upset by the CNA's comments and noted that the resident was anxious and in pain, repeatedly expressing fear of dying. The CNA later denied making the statements but suggested that if she had, it would have been in a joking manner. The facility's Resident Rights policy requires that each resident be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of their dignity and individuality. The staff's actions during this event did not align with these requirements, as observed and reported by EMS and through staff interviews.