Failure to Address Communication Needs for Spanish-Speaking Resident
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that the baseline care plan for a newly admitted Spanish-speaking resident addressed her communication needs. The resident, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including sepsis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and anemia, had no mention of her language preference or communication requirements in her baseline care plan. Staff interviews and observations revealed that the resident primarily spoke Spanish, and staff members attempted to communicate with her using gestures, limited English, or by relying on her son to translate. The son was not always present, and staff sometimes attempted to use personal translation apps on their phones. During meal service, the resident was unable to understand what was on her tray until a Spanish-speaking surveyor intervened, indicating that her dietary preferences and needs were not being effectively communicated. Staff acknowledged the importance of communication but did not have a consistent or facility-approved method in place at the time of the survey. The lack of a person-centered, effective communication plan was evident in the care provided, as the resident's ability to participate in her care and express her needs was compromised.