Failure to Protect Residents from Verbal and Mental Abuse by CNA
Penalty
Summary
Multiple residents were subjected to verbal and mental abuse by a Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA), who made derogatory and inappropriate comments about residents' hygiene and physical condition. Witness statements documented that the CNA made repeated negative remarks about a resident's smell and food intake, used sarcasm, and laughed at another staff member's discomfort. The CNA also sternly reprimanded another resident in a public setting, causing visible distress. Additionally, the CNA was observed ranting and cussing in front of residents and expressing frustration about work assignments. Further incidents included the CNA attempting to physically force a resident out of bed against their will, despite the resident's resistance and verbal refusal. The CNA was also described as rushing through care routines, neglecting basic hygiene tasks such as brushing hair, wiping hands or faces, and changing soiled clothing. Another resident was subjected to unprofessional and hurtful comments about their cleanliness. Staff members who witnessed these actions did not immediately report the incidents to administration, with some expressing uncertainty or reluctance to escalate the situation. Licensed and certified staff interviewed after the incidents acknowledged they were trained on abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) policies but failed to recognize or report the abuse at the time. Some staff rationalized their inaction by believing the incidents were isolated or that the affected residents were not alert and oriented enough to understand the abuse. The facility's policy required immediate reporting and intervention for any suspected abuse, but this protocol was not followed during the events described.