Failure to Protect a Resident From Verbal Abuse by a GNA
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect a resident from verbal abuse by a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). Administrative record review of a facility-reported incident and staff interviews showed that on 6/19/25 at approximately 6:30 PM, there was a verbal argument between Staff #4, a GNA, and Resident #7 during which foul language was exchanged. The facility’s investigation substantiated that this interaction met the definition of verbal abuse, which includes the willful use of disparaging, derogatory, or threatening oral, written, or gestured language toward residents or within their hearing. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the incident constituted verbal abuse and noted that Resident #7 had a history of berating behaviors toward staff and had tormented Staff #4, who then reacted, resulting in the abusive exchange. The deficiency centers on the failure of the GNA to refrain from using foul and abusive language toward the resident during the altercation, thereby not ensuring the resident remained free from verbal abuse as required.
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