Failure to Interview All Potential Witnesses in Resident-to-Resident Abuse Investigation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident. According to the documentation, a certified nurse aide (CNA) heard a resident yelling and discovered another resident hitting him in the chest. The CNA immediately separated the two residents and assessed the victim for injuries, finding none. The incident was documented, and statements were obtained from the CNA and attempts were made to interview both residents involved. However, the investigation did not include interviews with other staff or residents who may have had knowledge of the incident or witnessed similar events. This omission was contrary to the facility's policy, which requires identifying and interviewing all involved persons, including witnesses and others who might have knowledge of the allegation. The administrator confirmed that only the CNA was interviewed, as the incident was considered isolated.