Failure to Provide Translation Services for Non-English Speaking Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate translation or interpretation services for a resident with limited English proficiency who spoke Korean and had severe cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The resident's care plan identified a communication problem related to a language barrier and indicated the need for an interpreter. Despite this, staff primarily relied on hand gestures, body language, and occasional assistance from a Korean-speaking nurse who was not always present. There was no communication board or consistent use of translation tools available for the resident. Interviews with staff revealed that communication with the resident was often ineffective, with staff estimating successful communication only about half the time. Staff acknowledged the lack of resources to communicate in the resident's preferred language and noted that no attempts had been made to provide more communication in Korean, such as through a communication board or translation application. The Korean-speaking nurse was sometimes called by phone to assist, but this was not a regular or reliable solution. Staff also reported that they did not have any materials or aids to help bridge the language gap. The facility's own policy required meaningful access to information and services for individuals with limited English proficiency, including the use of trained interpreters, communication boards, or translation services. However, the policy was not followed in practice for this resident. The administrator and other staff recognized the importance of effective communication and the potential negative effects of not providing adequate translation or interpretation services, but these services were not consistently implemented for the resident.