Failure to Protect Resident from Verbal Abuse by Staff
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with mild cognitive impairment and multiple behavioral and mental health diagnoses was subjected to verbal abuse by a staff member. The resident, who required supervision for mobility and had a history of confusion and dementia, was found on the floor by a CNA after attempting to get a drink of water. During the incident, the LPN on duty made belittling and derogatory comments to the resident, including remarks about the resident's fall, her use of the call light, and her body size. The LPN also made statements that were described as cold, abrasive, and nonchalant, which were witnessed and reported by other staff members present during the incident. Staff interviews and statements corroborated that the LPN's interactions with residents were often rude, unapproachable, and inappropriate, particularly with residents who exhibited behavioral issues or dementia. The LPN was reported to have made dismissive and agitating comments to another resident regarding her pets and family, further demonstrating a pattern of verbal mistreatment. The facility's internal investigation substantiated the verbal abuse allegations, and the LPN's employment was subsequently terminated. The facility's policy clearly prohibits all forms of abuse, including verbal abuse, and defines it as the use of disparaging or derogatory language toward residents. Despite this policy, the LPN's conduct toward the resident after her fall, as well as toward other residents, constituted verbal abuse as defined by the facility. The resident involved was unable to participate in an interview due to cognitive limitations, but multiple staff accounts provided consistent evidence of the inappropriate and abusive language used by the LPN.