Failure to Provide Hearing Assistive Devices and Care Planning for Hearing-Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with hearing impairment had access to proper assistive devices to maintain adequate hearing. Review of facility policy indicated that staff are responsible for assisting hearing-impaired residents with communication, locating resources, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and maintaining or replacing hearing devices. However, for one resident with a history of tracheostomy, repeated falls, and GERD, the clinical record did not include a care plan or interventions addressing the resident's hearing impairment. During interviews, the resident was observed to be hard of hearing and reported not having her hearing aids. Staff confirmed that the resident's hearing aids were not present in the facility and were with the family. Communication with the resident required staff to stand in front of her and speak loudly. Both the RN Supervisor and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident was not care planned for hearing impairment and did not have access to necessary assistive devices, resulting in a failure to meet regulatory requirements.