Preventing Patient and Resident Abuse by Employees:  Detecting, Deterring and Dealing with Abuse by Employees

ESSENTIAL TRAINING FOR HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES, AND RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES   

Abuse by staff can have a devastating effect on patients and residents. The mere allegation of abuse can cause significant damage to the reputation of any healthcare provider. Although abuse can result in substantial liability, it is very hard to detect and prove. This seminar provides answers and training to healthcare professionals who are responsible for managing staff and ensuring that care is provided in a non-abusive environment. It is designed to assist managers and administrators in detecting, proving, and deterring abuse by staff.     

The Program Will Answer

• What constitutes abuse?
• What are your liabilities for abuse?
• How can you investigate abuse to uncover the truth?
• What can you do to ensure that abuse is reported and proved?
• What action can you take against offending employees?
• How do you/can you uphold discipline against an offending employee?
• How can you prevent abuse before it happens?

The Program Will Cover      

The Legal Framework    

• Your organizations statutory and common law obligations.
• Sources of civil and criminal liability.
• Vicarious liability for employee wrongdoing.
• Professional obligations of registered staff and other employees under the Regulated Heath Professions Act.
• The Residents' Bill of Rights.

Investigating Allegations of Abuse

• Proper investigative techniques.
• The evidence you should look for.
• Getting witness to come forward and talk.
• Breaking the code of silence.
• Preserving the memory of elderly or young witnesses.
• What role should the College of Nurses play?
• When should you involve the police?

Discipline and Discharge

• How do the courts and labour arbitrators deal with abuse cases?
• What kind of conduct merits discipline?
• When will discharge be appropriate?
• Gathering and using your best evidence.
• Is progressive discipline appropriate in cases of abuse?
• Winning your case.
• Do you have to "accommodate" an abusive employee?

Preventing Abuse Before It Happens

• Creating a culture where all staff work to prevent and eliminate abuse.
• Establishing the right policies and procedures.
• Enforcing standards through well-publicized disciplinary guidelines.
• Ensuring your staff understands their professional and employment obligations.
• Screening future employees at the interview stage.
• Criminal record and reference checks.