Local police recently arrested and booked a man after he threatened to blow up the nursing home where he had worked before being fired for assaulting another employee. According to police, the man sent threatening text messages to staff members. The texts said things like, “I’m a racist misogynist” and “going to blow (facility’s name) up.”
An employee reported to police that the man texted her, saying he was going to bring a rifle to the facility. She said the texts upset her so much that she couldn’t work.
The nursing home issued this statement in response to the threats:
“We take the responsibility to protect our residents and employees very seriously. When informed of the conduct and the potential threats made by a former employee, we contacted the police and have cooperated fully with their investigation throughout this matter. Our goal will continue to be to take the actions required to ensure the safety of this facility and those within it.”
Charges that may be made against the man are harassment, telephoning a bomb threat, and making violent threats to harm former co-workers.
Compliance Perspective
Failure to ensure the safety of employees and residents from angry current or former employees making violent threats to destroy the facility and harm employees may create a disruptive and hostile work atmosphere and affect employees’ ability to provide care for the residents. This could be considered substandard quality of care with immediate jeopardy, in violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures regarding the facility’s emergency response plans for addressing active shooters or responding to bomb threats.
- Train staff on the facility’s emergency response plans for situations like active shooters or bomb threats. Also, train staff to immediately report any incident involving employee harassment or threatening behavior to their supervisor or through the Hotline.
- Periodically audit by conducting drills for responding to active shooters or bomb threats.
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