Failure to Maintain Professional Boundaries and Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain professional boundaries and provide dignity and respect to two residents. On the specified date, a staff member, Cook A, hugged and kissed one resident on the cheek in the dining room and took possession of that resident's spending card, removing it from the premises. The resident had a history of multiple mental health diagnoses, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder, and required a structured environment, supervision for safety, and financial management services. The resident was cognitively intact and had a guardian. The resident reported that Cook A frequently hugged female residents and that this was the first time Cook A had kissed them. The resident did not desire a relationship with Cook A and described the kiss as 'weird.' The resident's guardian was not notified about the incident or the removal of the spending card. Another resident, also with a history of mental health diagnoses including schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorder, reported feeling uncomfortable after being hugged by Cook A in the dining room. This resident witnessed Cook A kissing the first resident and described additional inappropriate interactions, such as Cook A asking the first resident to go around the corner with them. The second resident was also cognitively intact and required protective oversight and assistance from staff for emotional and social needs. Multiple staff interviews and video surveillance confirmed that Cook A hugged and kissed the first resident and hugged the second resident in the dining room. Staff members, including the Dietary Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Staffing Coordinator, observed or were aware of the inappropriate conduct and reported it to administration. The incident was captured on camera, and staff confirmed that Cook A had previously been restricted from certain duties due to similar allegations. The facility's policies required staff to treat residents with dignity and respect, maintain professional boundaries, and not accept or remove residents' personal possessions without proper authorization.