Failure to Update Care Plan for Resident's Refusal of Hearing Aids
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely develop a comprehensive care plan addressing a resident's ongoing refusal to wear hearing aids. The resident, who had diagnoses including congestive heart failure and moderate cognitive impairment, was documented as having difficulty hearing and required substantial assistance with activities of daily living. Despite the care plan indicating the use of hearing aids to help the resident hear effectively, multiple staff interviews and observations confirmed that the resident consistently refused to wear the hearing aids. Staff, including a CNA, Social Services Director, and LVN, acknowledged the resident's refusal and reported communicating by speaking directly into the resident's ear, but the care plan was not updated to reflect this ongoing issue. The facility's policy required a comprehensive, person-centered care plan with measurable objectives and timetables, including documentation of services not provided due to resident refusal. However, the care plan did not address the resident's persistent refusal to use hearing aids, nor did it outline alternative interventions or document the resident's exercise of their right to refuse. This omission was confirmed by staff interviews and record reviews, indicating a failure to meet the facility's own policy and regulatory requirements for care planning.