Failure to Immediately Remove Employee After Verbal Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member, specifically a housekeeper, was observed using inappropriate and profane language towards a resident who had diagnoses including major depression, end stage kidney disease, and heart failure. The resident was alert and oriented, requiring extensive assistance for bed mobility, and had a care plan that included interventions for staff attendance during care. The incident involved the housekeeper engaging in an argument with the resident, during which the housekeeper used derogatory language. This was witnessed by the Director of Maintenance, who did not immediately suspend the housekeeper and was unclear about the required disciplinary action. Despite facility policy requiring immediate removal of an employee from the schedule pending investigation after an allegation of abuse, the housekeeper was not suspended or removed from the schedule immediately following the incident. The Director of Maintenance reported the incident to the Administrator the next day, and a suspension was put in place only after this notification. Documentation confirmed the housekeeper admitted to using inappropriate language, and both the DON and Administrator acknowledged that the incident constituted verbal abuse and that policy was not followed regarding immediate suspension.