Abuse and Neglect Prevention for Michigan Certified Nurse Aides

This two-contact-hour self-study course prepares Michigan Certified Nurse Aides to recognize, prevent, and appropriately respond to suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation of resident property within the CNA role. It emphasizes resident dignity and rights, warning indicators without premature conclusions, immediate safety, objective documentation, reporting responsibilities, professional boundaries, person-centered care, and trauma-informed practice.

Learning Objectives

• Define Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Misappropriation: Use terminology relevant to Michigan CNA practice and federal long-term-care requirements.
• Differentiate Forms of Abuse: Recognize physical, verbal, emotional or psychological, sexual, and technology-facilitated forms of abuse.
• Identify Possible Indicators of Abuse or Neglect: Recognize physical, behavioral, environmental, and interpersonal indicators without treating them as proof that mistreatment occurred.
• Explain Resident Vulnerability Factors: Describe factors that may increase a resident’s vulnerability to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Describe the Michigan CNA’s Care Responsibilities: Provide care consistent with the resident’s care plan, delegated duties, facility policies, dignity, and resident rights.
• Apply Appropriate CNA Actions: Respond when abuse or neglect is witnessed, disclosed, or reasonably suspected, including immediate safety measures and timely notification or reporting.
• Distinguish CNA Responsibilities from Other Roles: Differentiate the CNA’s responsibilities from those of licensed nurses, facility administrators, investigators, regulators, Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement.
• Demonstrate Objective Documentation and Communication: Use appropriate documentation and communication following a concerning observation, disclosure, or incident.
• Explain Professional Boundaries and Prevention Practices: Reduce the risk of exploitation, misappropriation of resident property, retaliation, and other forms of mistreatment.
• Apply Person-Centered and Trauma-Informed Strategies: Use prevention-focused approaches in realistic CNA care situations.