Failure to Ensure Mechanical Lift Competency for Agency GNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff had adequate training and competency in the use of a mechanical lift, as required by facility policy. A review of a resident's clinical record showed that the resident, who required assistance to transfer from bed to wheelchair, sustained a forehead hematoma when struck by the mechanical lift bar during a transfer. The incident involved two geriatric nursing assistants (GNAs), and documentation confirmed that the mechanical lift bar hit the resident in the head, resulting in a bruise. Further investigation revealed that one of the GNAs involved, an agency staff member, did not have documented evidence of training or competency in the use of the mechanical lift. The only available documentation for this GNA was a self-evaluation, with no verification of training or competency assessment by facility staff. Both the unit manager and the Human Resources Director confirmed the lack of evidence for proper training or competency for this staff member.