Failure to Provide Communication Device for Non-English Speaking Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident admitted with diagnoses including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and malignant neoplasm of the lung was identified as speaking only Cantonese and requiring an interpreter to communicate with healthcare staff, as documented in the resident's Admission Record and Minimum Data Set. During observation and interview, it was found that the resident did not have a communication board or any communication device at the bedside, despite being alert and needing such a device to communicate needs to staff. Certified Nurse Assistant 4 confirmed that the resident spoke only Chinese and should have had a communication board available. The Director of Nursing also stated that all alert, non-English speaking residents should be provided with a communication board in the language they understand. Review of the facility's policy indicated that residents with language barriers should be provided with visual aids or devices to facilitate communication, but this was not implemented for the resident in question.