Failure to Protect Resident from Physical and Emotional Abuse by LPN
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) physically and emotionally abused a resident with multiple medical conditions, including epilepsy, vascular dementia, and diabetes. The resident, who was alert and oriented, reported being hurt in the arms and neck by the LPN. Video footage confirmed that the LPN pushed the resident's hand away, used her foot to move the resident's legs, forcibly held the resident's hands down, pointed a finger in the resident's face, pushed the resident back into a Geri chair, squeezed the resident's hand, and yanked the resident back by grabbing the shirt collar. Witnesses, including other residents and staff, corroborated hearing the resident express pain and distress, and observed the LPN yelling, cursing, and making threatening statements toward the resident. Medical records documented that the resident had redness and discoloration on both arms, mild pain, and x-ray results showed mild soft tissue swelling in both arms. The incident was reported to the facility's administration and the police, and the LPN was immediately removed from duty. Multiple staff and residents provided statements describing the LPN's aggressive and inappropriate physical contact, as well as the resident's visible fear and distress during and after the incident. The facility's abuse policy affirms residents' rights to be free from abuse and mistreatment by staff. Despite the LPN having completed abuse and neglect training, the actions observed and reported constituted physical and emotional abuse, as confirmed by facility leadership and video evidence. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, interviews, record review, and corroborating witness statements.