Failure to Ensure Timely Audiology Follow-Up for Missing Hearing Aids
Penalty
Summary
Resident #35, who has diagnoses including unspecified hearing loss, adjustment disorder, and age-related physical debility, was identified as moderately cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for activities of daily living. The resident's care plan required that hearing aids be in place daily and functioning, with audiology appointments made as needed. On 7/25/25, a missing property form documented that the resident's hearing aids were missing, and the interdisciplinary team was to add the resident to the audiology list for replacement. However, on 8/12/25, the resident was observed without hearing aids and was unable to hear the surveyor during an introduction. Interviews with staff revealed confusion and lack of follow-through regarding the process for replacing the missing hearing aids. The LPN was unsure if the resident had been added to the audiology list, and the social worker indicated that after the missing property form was completed, the DNS was responsible for contacting the audiology vendor. The DNS could not locate any documentation or email confirming that the resident had been added to the audiology list, attributing the lapse to her transition into the role. The audiology vendor confirmed that no residents were scheduled for services at the facility. The facility policy did not specify expectations for resolving missing items, contributing to the failure to ensure the resident received necessary audiology follow-up.