Failure to Protect Resident from Neglect and Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from neglect and verbal abuse. The resident, who was cognitively intact and required moderate assistance for mobility, reported that her call bell was not answered in a timely manner when she requested help to use the bathroom. As a result, she had to take herself to the bathroom, and when the nurse aide eventually responded, the aide made a dismissive comment and left the room in a huff. Facility grievance documentation and staff statements indicated that the nurse aide in question had a pattern of negative behavior, including slamming doors, bullying residents, swearing, and refusing to assist with resident needs such as answering call bells and helping with meal trays. Despite these reports and statements from multiple staff members, the Director of Nursing did not identify the incidents as potential neglect or abuse and did not conduct a further investigation. The facility's failure to recognize and address these behaviors resulted in a lack of protection for the resident from neglect and verbal abuse, in violation of facility policy and state regulations.