Failure to Protect Resident from Sexual Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a male resident with severe cognitive impairment entered the room of a female resident, who was also severely cognitively impaired, and inappropriately touched her upper thigh while attempting to remove her bed covers. This incident was observed and reported by a CNA, who redirected the male resident back to his room. Both residents had diagnoses including dementia, and the female resident was noted to have a BIMS score indicating severe cognitive impairment. The event was documented in the residents' progress notes and substantiated by the facility's investigation records. The facility's policy on abuse, neglect, exploitation, mistreatment, and misappropriation of resident property states a commitment to preventing abuse. However, the incident demonstrated a failure to protect the female resident from sexual abuse by another resident. The DON and Administrator confirmed the substantiated incident and acknowledged the expectation that all residents should remain free from abuse.