Verbal Abuse of Resident by Certified Medication Technician
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified medication technician (CMT) verbally abused a resident by yelling, cussing, and using vulgar language, including telling the resident to "shut the F up" and calling the resident derogatory names. The incident took place when the resident, who had a history of dementia with behavioral disturbances, generalized anxiety disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and cerebral infarction, refused care. The resident was described as having moderately impaired cognitive skills, frequent care refusals, and requiring significant assistance with activities of daily living. Multiple sources, including the resident, another resident, a visitor, and a licensed practical nurse (LPN), confirmed that the CMT yelled and used inappropriate language toward the resident. The resident reported feeling shocked and scared by the CMT's behavior. Witnesses described the CMT as becoming frustrated and using the F word while providing care, and a visitor observed the CMT screaming and cussing at the resident in the hallway. The CMT admitted during an interview to verbally abusing the resident after being yelled at and having care refused. The CMT acknowledged that this was the first time encountering such behavior from a resident and admitted to responding inappropriately. The facility's abuse policy explicitly prohibits any form of abuse, including verbal or mental, and requires that residents be protected from such treatment.