Failure to Provide Hearing Assessment and Assistive Devices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with a history of hearing impairment received proper assessment and assistive devices to maintain hearing abilities. Record review showed that the resident was documented as having moderate to severe hearing difficulty, with a BIMS score indicating moderate difficulty and a provider note stating the resident was severely hard of hearing. Despite this, the resident's comprehensive care plan did not reflect any hearing impairment, and there was no evidence that appropriate services were provided to assess or address the resident's hearing needs. During observation and interview, the resident reported being unable to hear the surveyor and stated that previously issued hearing aids had been lost, with uncertainty about whether they would be replaced. The social worker was aware of an upcoming appointment but did not know when the last hearing assessment occurred and indicated that information might be available from the VA. Facility policy required staff to assist residents in obtaining needed hearing services and replacing lost or damaged devices, but this was not followed for the resident in question.