Failure to Prevent Verbal Abuse of Resident by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident, who had a history of stroke, dysphagia, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and major depressive disorder, and who required assistance with all activities of daily living and was deemed incompetent to make medical decisions, was subjected to verbal abuse by a certified nursing assistant (CNA). The resident reported to surveyors that a staff member had laughed at their grandmother and expressed feelings that the staff member was antagonistic towards them. During care, the resident refused assistance from the CNA in question, and another CNA witnessed the accused CNA responding by calling the resident 'crazy' and slamming the bathroom door. The same CNA was later overheard in the dining room loudly making derogatory remarks about the resident, referring to them as 'crazy' and making other disparaging comments within earshot of the resident and others. The incident was corroborated by a witness who provided reassurance to the resident after the verbal exchange. The accused CNA admitted to venting loudly in the dining room but denied using specific derogatory terms in the resident's room. The resident's care plan included the need for a non-confrontational environment due to their psychiatric conditions, but this was not upheld during the incident. The events led to the resident refusing care and expressing distress, with the situation escalating to the point where the CNA left employment after being informed of the abuse allegation.