F0552

D

Failure to Inform Spanish-Speaking Resident About Medications in Understandable Language

Chico, California Survey Completed on 01-21-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that a Spanish-speaking resident was fully informed and understood their medications in a language they could understand. The resident was admitted with sepsis, pneumonia, and end stage renal disease, and their medical record identified Spanish as their primary language. The care plan documented a potential communication problem related to a language barrier and directed staff to provide an interpreter or use a language line. The DON confirmed that the resident is Spanish speaking and stated that the expectation is for nursing staff to explain medications in the resident’s own language using Spanish-speaking staff or the facility’s interpreter service.

Despite this, interviews showed that staff did not consistently follow the care plan or the DON’s expectations. A licensed nurse acknowledged that the resident is Spanish speaking, that the nurse does not speak Spanish, and that Spanish-speaking staff are only sometimes used to communicate with the resident; the nurse also stated they do not always explain what medications the resident is taking. A CNA who speaks Spanish reported that staff occasionally use them to translate for the resident but that they had not recently translated regarding medications. The resident reported that staff do not always obtain a translator, that it can take up to 30 minutes when one is requested, that nursing staff do not always tell them what medications they are taking, and that they simply take the medications without knowing what they are. The resident also stated that communication with staff about their condition has been poor and expressed a desire for nursing staff to answer questions and provide updates.