Failure to Provide Follow-Up Hearing Services and Assistive Devices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received proper treatment and assistive devices to maintain hearing abilities. The resident, who had a history of stroke, heart failure, and fibrillation, expressed difficulty hearing and requested hearing aids during an interaction with therapy staff. The clinical record showed that the resident had previously been evaluated by audiology, which identified impacted cerumen in both ears and recommended follow-up in 6-9 months. Physician orders included an otic solution for ear wax and an as-needed audiology consult. However, there was no documentation of any follow-up audiology appointments or further interventions to address the resident's hearing needs after the initial consult. The resident continued to report hearing difficulties, and staff interviews confirmed that the facility did not arrange for the necessary follow-up or assistive devices. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the failure to provide proper treatment and assistive devices to maintain the resident's hearing abilities.