Patient abuse is a term that seems to be casually thrown about, but what does it mean? It is a serious offense that, when committed, must be promptly addressed.

The word ’abuse’ typically means any act or absence of action inconsistent with prescribed patient treatment and care that violates the well-being or dignity of the patient.” The most common types of abuse include:

Verbal Abuse. This is any verbal communication which violates the well-being or dignity of the consumer, such as yelling, harassment, intimidation or threats, cursing or foul language, nicknames that are not requested by the patient, ridiculing, AND any remark that is intended to upset or provoke a negative response by the patient.

Abuse by Failure to Act. This includes neglecting the care of the patient which results in physical or psychological harm. It may be committed by an employee failing to provide authorized and prescribed treatment or by failing to intervene when a consumer needs assistance in order to maintain his or her physical or mental well-being.

Condoning Abuse. This is when an employee permits abusive conduct (verbal or physical) toward a consumer by any staff, patient, or any other person.

Physical Abuse. This occurs when a staff member shoves, pushes, trips, or uses any type of physical force which is unnecessary or excessive.

Sexual Abuse. This includes any contact, verbal or physical, of a sexual nature between a staff and patient. This also includes a staff members failure to discourage sexual advances toward staff by a patient. Sexual abuse also includes a staff member permitting the sexual exploitation of a patient by another patient.