Failure to Protect Resident Property Resulting in Loss of Hearing Aid
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from misappropriation of personal property, specifically a cochlear hearing aid. The resident, who had severe bilateral hearing loss and a history of cochlear implant surgery, was cognitively impaired and fully dependent on staff for activities of daily living. Upon admission, the resident's hearing aid and charger were documented in the inventory list. The resident's family member reported the hearing aid missing after being unable to locate it in the resident's room and notified facility staff and management. Despite this report, the hearing aid was not replaced, and communication with the resident became difficult for the family member. Interviews and record reviews revealed that the Social Services Director was aware of the missing hearing aid and stated that an investigation and replacement process was underway. However, there was no evidence in the medical record that a theft and loss report had been filed as required by facility policy. The policy mandates prompt and thorough investigation of all reports of theft or misappropriation, including interviews and searches, but these steps were not documented as completed for this incident.