Verbal Abuse of Resident by CNA During Assistance with Eating
Penalty
Summary
A cognitively intact resident with multiple sclerosis and mood disorders, who required supervision and assistance with eating, was subjected to verbal abuse by a CNA. During an incident, the resident requested to be fed pudding to avoid making a mess, and a CNA agreed to assist. While this assistance was being provided, another CNA made derogatory remarks, including the use of profanity and referring to the resident as a baby. This was corroborated by both the assisting CNA and the resident, who reported being upset and angry by the comments. The accused CNA denied using profanity but admitted to questioning the need for assistance and expressed unwillingness to perform certain care tasks for the resident, stating that she would not provide special treatment or perform tasks she felt were not her responsibility. The facility's investigation included interviews with the involved staff and the resident, as well as a review of the facility's abuse policy, which affirms residents' rights to be free from abuse and neglect. The incident report and interviews confirmed that the resident experienced verbal abuse from the CNA, which was distressing to the resident. The facility's policy was reviewed as part of the investigation, but the deficiency was identified based on the staff member's conduct and the impact on the resident.