Resident Physically Abused by CNA in Dayroom
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) physically abused a resident in the facility's dayroom. Surveillance footage captured the CNA approaching the resident, pulling a table away from the resident's wheelchair, and then striking the resident on the back of the head with an open hand, causing the resident's head to fall forward. Shortly after, the CNA pushed the resident's wheelchair to the dayroom exit and, following a verbal exchange and the resident throwing a cup of liquid at the CNA, the CNA struck the resident's upper arm twice with a paper plate. The incident was observed while reviewing surveillance footage for another matter. The resident involved had a history of dementia, restlessness, agitation, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with documented moderate cognitive impairment. The resident's care plan included interventions to ensure safety and to remove the resident from the area of any aggressor. Despite these interventions, the CNA engaged in physical abuse following a verbal altercation, during which the resident used offensive language toward the CNA. The CNA admitted to slapping the resident on the head and stated awareness of the wrongdoing. Interviews with other residents assigned to the CNA revealed no similar complaints or witnessed abuse. Documentation showed that the CNA had received in-service training on abuse prevention. The facility's abuse prevention policy clearly stated residents' rights to be free from abuse, neglect, and corporal punishment, and required prompt reporting of any suspected abuse. However, the actions of the CNA violated these policies and resulted in the resident not being protected from abuse.