Resident Dignity Violated by Staff Video Recording and Social Media Posting
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with dementia, cerebral infarction, and peripheral vascular disease, who required assistance with activities of daily living, was video recorded by two Certified Nurse Aides while washing their briefs at a sink. One of the aides posted the video on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, where the resident was mocked. The facility's policy required all residents to be treated with dignity and respect, including privacy during personal care and protection from abuse or demeaning behavior. However, the actions of the staff violated these requirements, as the resident's privacy and dignity were not maintained during the incident. Multiple staff members became aware of the video through social media and reported it to facility administration. Interviews confirmed that the video depicted the resident from below the neck while they were engaged in personal care, and that mocking comments were made by staff in the recording. The incident was documented in employee statements and a nursing home investigative report, confirming that the resident was subjected to undignified treatment and exposure on social media, contrary to facility policy and regulatory requirements.