Failure to Provide Functional Communication System for Non-English Speaking Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a functional communication system for a resident who did not speak English and required interpreter services to communicate with staff. Despite the resident's care plan indicating a need for staff to use a language line or contact the resident's family for communication, staff were observed not utilizing these resources during care. Instead, staff relied on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and did not have a communication binder with everyday words and pictures available in the resident's room, as was indicated should be present. The only accommodation observed was a posted language line phone number in the resident's room, which staff did not use during interactions. The resident, who had multiple medical conditions and no memory issues, was observed on several occasions attempting to communicate in their preferred language but was not understood by staff. The resident's representative confirmed that the resident could not speak English and had experienced difficulty communicating symptoms, such as shortness of breath, to staff. Staff interviews revealed an absence of a facility policy for language and communication for residents with English as a second language, and staff acknowledged the lack of appropriate communication tools in the resident's room.