Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Allegation of Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of verbal abuse involving a resident who communicates using repetitive phrases. During an evening meal, two CNAs observed another CNA respond to the resident's repetitive vocalizations in a visibly annoyed manner, leaning close and making remarks that caused the resident to lower his head and appear sad. The facility's abuse coordinator (Administrator) confirmed that verbal abuse had occurred during this incident. Upon review of the investigative file, it was found that the investigation did not include statements from the RN and LPN who were present during the shift when the incident occurred, nor did it include interviews with staff from the previous shift, as required by the facility's abuse policy. The Administrator confirmed that these interviews were missing from the investigative file, indicating that the investigation was incomplete and not in accordance with facility policy.