CNA Commits Physical and Verbal Abuse Against Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) physically assaulted a resident who was severely cognitively impaired and required substantial assistance with daily activities. The resident, who had a history of behavioral symptoms such as hitting, kicking, and pushing, as well as a tendency to refuse care, was subjected to inappropriate actions by the CNA. According to written statements and facility investigation documents, the CNA responded to the resident spitting by placing her hand over the resident's mouth and verbally threatening to punch the resident in the face. Another CNA witnessed the incident and confirmed the physical and verbal abuse. The facility's investigation revealed inconsistencies in the CNA's account of the incident, and the CNA was ultimately terminated for physical abuse. The facility's policy defines abuse as the willful infliction of injury or intimidation, and the actions of the CNA were found to be deliberate. This incident affected one resident directly but had the potential to impact all residents in the facility.