Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse by Staff
Penalty
Summary
A facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse perpetrated by an employee. The incident involved a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) who was observed by a laundry department staff member slapping a resident on the right cheek while attempting to assist the resident off an elevator. The resident was later reported by hospital staff to have stated being hit on the left side of the face by a staff member while at the facility. The incident was witnessed and reported by the laundry assistant, and the facility became aware of the event on the same day it occurred. Following the incident, the resident was sent to the hospital for a CT scan of the head, which was negative, and subsequently returned to the facility. The facility's internal investigation confirmed the physical assault by the GNA. The surveyor reviewed the incident through medical records, administrative records, interviews, and direct observation, confirming that the facility did not protect the resident from physical abuse as required.