Nursing Home CNA Accused of Choking 73-Year-Old Resident
A Florida television station recently reported the arrest of a former certified nurse aide (CNA) who has been charged with attacking a 73-year-old resident in the nursing home where the CNA was formerly employed.
The incident occurred on April 6, but the facility did not report it to the state until April 16. After a state inspector investigated the incident, the police were contacted, and they conducted an investigation. Subsequently, the police turned the case over to a State’s Attorney. However, since that State’s Attorney had a conflict of interest due to his representing the county-run nursing home, the case was referred to the State Attorney General’s office, which filed charges and issued a warrant for the CNA.
The CNA was arrested and charged with official misconduct and aggravated battery of a senior citizen.
Allegedly, the CNA had attacked the resident and put him in a chokehold and a headlock. He is being held in the county’s jail on a $10,000 bail bond.
Compliance Perspective
Failing to ensure that caregivers are not physically abusing residents while providing care and not reporting incidents to authorities on a timely basis may be considered abuse and neglect and provision of sub-standard quality of care, in violation state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding timely reporting of incidents to state authorities and on prevention and reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents.
- Train staff on prevention and reporting of potential abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and on ways to provide care to residents who may display behaviors without resorting to physical abuse.
- Periodically audit to ensure that incidents are investigated and reported to the proper authorities on a timely basis.
