Resident Sustains Human Bite During Eye Examination by Consulting Ophthalmologist
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident was not protected from physical abuse during an eye examination conducted by a consulting ophthalmologist. The resident, who had a history of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and diabetes mellitus and required moderate to substantial assistance with daily activities, reported discomfort during the examination. The resident stated that after pushing the ophthalmologist's hand away due to discomfort from the eye examination, the ophthalmologist pulled down their mask and bit the resident's right thumb. The incident was witnessed by the resident's adult child, who reported the injury to nursing staff. Upon assessment by a registered nurse, the resident was found to have a skin opening on the anterior side of the right thumb, minimal bleeding, and a superficial bruise on the posterior side of the thumb. The resident complained of pain, and the injury was later confirmed at the hospital as a human bite. The facility's investigation concluded that the injury was a human bite, though it was deemed accidental rather than intentional. Interviews with staff and the resident confirmed the sequence of events, and the consulting ophthalmologist denied the allegation but provided no further statement due to ongoing legal proceedings. The facility's policies prohibit all forms of abuse, including by consultants and other non-employee individuals. The ophthalmologist involved was an independent contractor who had worked at the facility for over ten years without prior complaints. The incident was reported to the appropriate authorities, and the resident received medical evaluation and treatment for the bite injury.