An Algona nursing home where a worker allegedly shared unauthorized video and photos of residents has been fined $1,000 by state regulators.
The Iowa Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing has imposed a $500 fine for resident abuse and the personal degradation of residents, plus a $500 fine for failing to adequately report abuse to state regulators.
According to state inspectors’ reports, on October 22nd, the home’s dietary manager learned “via social media” of a video depicting a certified nursing assistant having a conversation with a female resident who was seated in a wheelchair in her room at Good Samaritan. According to state records, the resident has a severe cognitive impairment.
Inspectors say photos were also shared, one photo was of a resident’s feet and another was of a catheter bag. The photo of the resident’s feet included text across the picture stating, “This man is literally dying.”
The Good Samaritan Home in Algona currently has a one star overall rating on the five star quality scale used by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In December 2023, the state cited the facility for 24 state and federal violations and was fined a total of $14,500. The fine was automatically reduced 35% due to the lack of an appeal filed by the home.
