Resident Subjected to Physical and Verbal Abuse by Staff Member
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member, Nurse Aide (NA) #1, engaged in abusive conduct toward a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and a history of hemiplegia and hypertensive urgency. The incident involved the aide pulling the resident from a seated position onto the floor, verbally berating him, and spraying him with an aerosol substance. Multiple staff and resident interviews confirmed that the aide entered the resident's room, expressed frustration, and proceeded to remove a pillow from under the resident, causing him to fall. While the resident was on the floor, the aide continued to yell at him to get up and sprayed his lower body with an aerosol spray, which was believed to be disinfectant or air freshener. Witnesses, including housekeeping staff and another CNA, reported hearing the resident scream for help and observed the aide laughing and continuing the abusive behavior. The resident expressed fear for his life and distress over the incident, stating he was shaken and scared by the aide's actions. Staff members who entered the room found the resident on the floor and the aide sitting in a chair, laughing, and continuing to spray the resident and throw his belongings into the garbage can. Despite conflicting accounts from some staff regarding the intent and details of the incident, the totality of evidence from interviews and witness statements substantiated that abuse did occur. The resident experienced actual psychosocial harm, including fear, distress, and compromised dignity as a result of the aide's actions. The facility's failure to protect the resident from all forms of abuse constituted a violation of regulatory requirements.