Failure to Provide Language-Appropriate Communication Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident whose preferred language was Farsi was provided with appropriate communication and interpretation services. The resident, who was cognitively intact and able to make decisions, had a medical history including a right patella fracture, acute respiratory failure, and diabetes. Despite documentation indicating the resident's language preference as Farsi, the comprehensive care plans did not address the resident's communication needs or language preference. Additionally, the psychosocial assessment incorrectly listed Armenian as the primary language/interpreter. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident could not communicate effectively in English and only responded with simple yes or no answers and hand gestures. Staff members assumed the resident was 'ok' based on mannerisms and did not utilize interpreter services or contact the resident's family for interpretation. The facility's policy required access to translation services for residents with limited English proficiency, but this was not followed in the resident's case, resulting in a failure to accurately assess and address the resident's needs.