According to an October 6, 2025, press release, a former certified nursing assistant (CNA) has been indicted by a grand jury following an investigation by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
On June 14, 2024, while employed at a Baton Rouge nursing home, the CNA operated a hydraulic lift alone to transfer a resident from a chair to a bed. During the transfer, the resident slipped out of the side of the sling and fell onto the lift’s base. Approximately 40 minutes after the fall, the resident became unresponsive. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
An autopsy later determined that the resident died from complications of blunt force injuries sustained during the fall.
On October 2, 2025, a grand jury returned an indictment for negligent homicide. The former CNA was subsequently booked into custody. The investigation remains ongoing.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Failure to follow proper transfer procedures, including using appropriate equipment and staffing levels, may lead to resident injury or death and could be considered neglect under state and federal regulations. Nursing facilities must ensure that staff understand and adhere to residents’ care plans and that safe transfer protocols are consistently implemented. Facilities are responsible for developing and enforcing policies that prevent avoidable accidents and ensure compliance with regulatory standards of care.
Discussion Points
- Review, and update if needed, policies and procedures regarding the use of mechanical lifts and required staff assistance for resident transfers. Ensure that protocols clearly reflect regulatory expectations and are tailored to each resident’s care plan. Facilities may benefit from working with external consultants to conduct focused policy reviews or mock surveys that help identify compliance gaps before issues arise.
- Provide initial and ongoing training for staff on proper transfer techniques, use of mechanical lifts, and identifying when two-person assistance is required. Med-Net Academy offers a Mechanical Lift competency designed for RNs, LPNs, nurse managers, CNAs/STNAs, and QMAs/CMAs. The competency guides staff through the proper procedures using a nursing process framework—assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation. It emphasizes reviewing manufacturer instructions and supports facilities in promoting resident safety and regulatory compliance through structured skill validation.
- Conduct regular audits of transfer practices and observe staff during routine care to ensure compliance with established protocols. Review incident reports and care plans to identify discrepancies or patterns of risk. Engaging an external consultant for periodic mock surveys or focused audits can offer helpful perspective and support ongoing quality improvement efforts.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*