Resident Subjected to Verbal Abuse by LNA Following Incontinence Episode
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with diagnoses of acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, who was cognitively intact and independent with activities of daily living, was subjected to verbal abuse by a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). The incident took place after the resident experienced an episode of incontinence. The LNA entered the resident's room and made disparaging remarks, questioning why the resident was incontinent in the facility and whether they soiled themselves at home. These statements were confirmed by both the resident and their roommate during interviews conducted as part of the facility's internal investigation. Further documentation from the internal investigation included an admission from the LNA that she raised her voice and made comments about the resident's incontinence not being helpful in the rehabilitation setting. Another LNA reported that the staff member was visibly upset after cleaning the resident and expressed her displeasure to colleagues, using inappropriate language regarding the resident's condition. The facility's internal investigation confirmed the occurrence of verbal abuse, and the administrator acknowledged that the resident was not free from abuse.