Failure to Protect Resident from Verbal Abuse and Inadequate Investigation
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that a resident was free from verbal abuse, as evidenced by an incident involving a resident with legal blindness who reported being verbally abused by a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). The resident stated that after waiting over two hours for assistance to use the bathroom, an argument ensued during which the GNA called the resident a derogatory name related to their blindness. The resident's roommate was present during the incident. The Social Service Director confirmed that neither the resident nor their roommate had a history of fabricating complaints or causing trouble. The facility's investigation into the incident was insufficient. The Administrator relied on staff and resident questionnaires, but did not conduct or document thorough interviews with the alleged victim, witnesses, or staff involved. Although another resident also indicated awareness of abuse, there was no documentation of follow-up to clarify this response. The Administrator acknowledged that interviews were not properly documented and was unable to provide evidence supporting staff denials of the abuse allegation.