Failure to Protect Cognitively Impaired Resident From Physical Abuse by LPN
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a severely cognitively impaired resident from physical abuse by a staff member. The resident, who had dementia without behavioral disturbances and a BIMS score of 2/15, was admitted on an unspecified date. According to the facility’s investigation and video surveillance, an LPN continued to attempt to administer medication despite the resident’s refusal. When the resident threw juice at the LPN, the LPN grasped the resident’s wheelchair armrest and pushed the wheelchair forward toward another chair. Video further showed the LPN grabbing the resident’s left arm and roughly pushing the resident into another wheelchair. The LPN later provided a written statement denying any abuse. An activity aide witnessed the incident around 10:10 AM but did not immediately notify the DON or the nursing supervisor. Instead, the aide wrote a statement and left it for the DON, which was not found until a later date. The LPN clocked out at 10:36 AM that day and did not return to the facility. A skin assessment completed afterward documented no injuries. The DON stated that the LPN had no prior history of inappropriate interactions with residents and that a criminal background check at hire showed no concerns. The facility’s investigation ultimately substantiated the allegation of abuse toward the resident.
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