Pittsburgh Nursing Home LPN Arrested for Allegedly Taking Inappropriate Pictures of Elderly Residents
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) employed in a Pittsburgh area nursing home was arrested for allegedly taking 19 or 20 photographs of 17 residents without their knowledge. These residents were in private situations, needing immediate care, and in various stages of undress.
The police were made aware of the LPN’s photo activity by a former boyfriend of the nurse who sent the pictures to them. An investigation subsequently found deprecating statements attached to some of the pictures and a video showing a medical procedure that was performed on one of the residents while the person was naked.
The investigators reported that they could find no medical or lawful purpose for the photos, and that they believed the pictures were taken for the sole purpose of humiliating the residents. Additionally, the police found two pornographic pictures of a 2-year-old girl on the accused LPN’s phone.
The LPN has been fired from her job and charged with 30 crimes, including abuse of care, invasion of privacy, and child pornography.
The nursing home has notified residents where appropriate and their families about the photographs.
Compliance Perspective
Failing to protect residents from violations of their personal right to privacy or from being photographed unknowingly and inappropriately may result in abuse of care and be considered substandard quality of care in violation of State and Federal regulations.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding residents’ rights to personal privacy and the nursing home’s picture-taking policy.
- Train staff about the policies and procedures addressing residents’ rights to personal privacy, the facility’s picture-taking policy, and that taking photographs of residents in private circumstances is a violation of those rights.
- Periodically conduct an audit by interviewing staff and residents, asking if they have observed anyone taking inappropriate photographs of residents.
