Failure to Prevent Physical and Verbal Abuse of Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect two residents from physical and verbal abuse by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Staff A. For one resident with severe cognitive impairment and diagnoses including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Staff A was witnessed by another CNA and an LPN being rough and aggressive during activities of daily living (ADL) care, including pushing the resident onto their side in a rough manner, causing the resident to cry out in pain and state, 'You're hurting me.' Staff A also made derogatory comments to the resident about their weight. These incidents were observed and reported by staff present during the care. Another resident, with a history of stroke and anxiety and intact cognition, was subjected to verbal abuse by Staff A, who called the resident derogatory names and refused to provide care when requested. Multiple staff, including a CNA, an LPN, and an RN, witnessed or were informed of Staff A's abusive language and refusal to assist the resident. The DON was unable to provide evidence that these residents were kept free from abuse, as required by facility policy and regulations.