Failure to Ensure CNA Competency in Wheelchair Securement Procedures
Penalty
Summary
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) failed to follow the facility's established procedure for securing a resident's wheelchair in a transport vehicle. During the loading of a resident into the facility van, the CNA attached the front Q'Straint securement straps to the wheelchair without first engaging the wheelchair brakes, as required by the facility's competency checklist and the Q'Straint user instructions. The CNA then exited the vehicle and prepared to close the van door without ensuring the wheelchair brakes were engaged. The CNA had previously completed the required training on the securement procedure. Additionally, the facility administrator monitored the securement process but did not use the facility's competency checklist or verify that the wheelchair brakes were engaged. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that engaging the wheelchair brakes is a required step in the securement process. The Q'Straint representative also confirmed that the brakes should be engaged before applying the securement system. The administrator acknowledged not checking the status of the wheelchair brakes during monitoring and could not explain why the checklist was not followed.