Failure to Follow Up on Resident's Request for Hearing Aids
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to follow up and implement treatment for a resident who reported hearing loss and expressed interest in obtaining hearing aids. The resident, who had intact cognition and was noted to have adequate hearing on the quarterly MDS, reported to the provider during admission that he had an audiogram indicating some hearing loss, particularly in crowded environments, and was interested in further evaluation for hearing aids. The medical record showed that the resident declined in-house audiology services but wanted an audiology evaluation to pursue hearing aids. However, there was no documentation of any follow-up or action taken to address the resident's request for hearing aids. During interviews, the resident confirmed that he had discussed his need for hearing aids with a doctor but had not received any updates or the devices themselves. The nurse manager was unaware of the resident's request and, after reviewing the medical record and consulting with staff, found no evidence that the request had been addressed. The facility's policy identified audiology as a service that could be provided and charged to residents' personal funds but did not specify the process for assisting residents in obtaining such services.