Delay in Speech Therapy Referral for Resident with Hearing Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely speech therapy services for a resident with hearing loss who was admitted in 2024. An audiologic report from April 2025 recommended the resident begin an aural rehabilitation program and obtain a referral to speech pathology. Despite this, a speech evaluation and treatment order was not entered until August 2025, and there was no evidence in the medical record that the resident was seen by a speech pathologist. During this period, the resident reported being unable to hear with hearing aids and requested written communication. Staff interviews revealed that the Director of Rehab was unaware of the resident's earlier ear clinic visit and expected a referral to be made promptly after that appointment, but this did not occur. Staff also acknowledged that the referral to speech therapy was not entered in a timely manner, as expected protocol was to request an after-visit summary following outpatient appointments.