Failure to Protect Resident from Verbal Abuse by CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident with severe cognitive deficits and total dependence on staff from verbal abuse by a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). The resident, who had diagnoses including heart failure, renal insufficiency, and quadriplegia, required two staff for all transfers and was unable to care for herself. Multiple staff members reported that the CNA addressed the resident in a disrespectful and derogatory manner during care activities, including making statements such as hoping the resident would be hit by equipment and telling her that no one visited her because of her condition. Staff also described the CNA as rough during transfers and rolling, causing the resident to express fear of falling. Staff interviews revealed that the CNA made repeated negative comments to the resident, including suggesting she should be placed on hospice and threatening to drop her during transfers. Several staff members observed the CNA pulling the resident abruptly and handling her in a way that made her afraid. The resident, who was unable to physically defend herself, would express fear and plead not to be dropped. Staff noted that the CNA appeared annoyed by the resident and was more verbally aggressive toward her compared to other residents. The facility's own self-report to the Department of Inspections and Appeals and Licensing confirmed that concerns about the CNA's behavior had been brought to management's attention, though specific dates of incidents were not documented. The facility policy required staff to treat residents with dignity and to refrain from verbal abuse, including sarcastic or derogatory remarks. Despite these policies, the resident was subjected to repeated verbal mistreatment and rough handling by the CNA, as corroborated by multiple staff statements and observations.