Failure to Investigate Alleged Verbal Abuse Between Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate an incident of verbal abuse involving two residents. Resident 1, who had diagnoses including bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and diabetes, was observed on the smoking patio when Resident 2, diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, spoke to her in a loud tone. Resident 1 responded by standing up, but there was no physical contact. Documentation indicated that Resident 1 exhibited verbal aggression, including cursing and screaming, while Resident 2 was noted to have made inappropriate comments and shown increased aggression toward another resident. Both residents were assessed as having intact cognition and required minimal assistance with daily activities. During interviews, Resident 1 reported being called a derogatory name by Resident 2 after refusing to give him cigarettes. An LVN confirmed witnessing verbal aggression between the two residents and reported the incident to a supervisor, but did not consider it verbal abuse. The administrator acknowledged being notified of the incident but did not initiate an investigation, as he was only aware of verbal aggression and not abuse. The facility's policy required immediate investigation of all abuse allegations, but this was not followed in this case.