Failure to Prevent Resident-to-Resident Physical Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent a resident-to-resident physical assault involving two residents, resulting in one resident sustaining a skin abrasion. One cognitively intact resident reported being struck on the left side of her face by another resident as she was leaving the dining room. She experienced bleeding from a small abrasion and sought assistance from staff, who provided first aid. The resident declined hospital treatment, reporting only a minor scratch and no ongoing pain. Staff observed a small scar on her face with no signs of infection during the survey. Interviews with staff revealed that the incident was reported promptly, and the involved resident was described as calm and non-provocative. The resident who committed the assault was a new admission with no prior signs of agitation or aggression. Staff and police were notified, and the resident responsible for the assault was sent for psychiatric evaluation. Documentation confirmed the physical altercation and the resulting injury, and the facility's abuse policy was referenced, which states that residents have the right to be free from abuse.