HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and interview, the facility failed to ensure an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter was provided in order for the patient to participate in the development/implementation of his/her care for 1 inpatient in need of an interpreter.

Findings include;

1. Facility policy titled "INTERPRETER USE" last reviewed/revised 1/2013 states on page 4 of 10: "...Because communication is a cornerstone of patient safety and quality care, every patient has the right to receive information in a manner he or she understands."

2. Facility policy titled "PATIENT/PARENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES" last reviewed/revised 3/11 states under procedures on page 2 of 5: "1. Patient/Parent Rights and Responsibilities information will be given to each patient upon admission and/or registration." Document titled "Patient Rights and Responsibilities" attached to the policy states "You have the right for the hospital to provide language interpreting and translation services. Patients with vision, speech, hearing or cognitive impairments have the right to receive information from their provider in a manner that meets their needs."

3. Patient #6 indicated in interview (with staff member #8, as the ASL interpreter) at 4:15 p.m. on 11/18/14 that he/she is tired of reading and writing and that a physician came in to see her in the a.m. of 11/18/14 and he/she showed the physician a note from the interpreter indicating that an interpreter had to be used to discuss medical care. The physician continued to type on a computer. When asked if he/she could read what the physician wrote, he/she responded they could. When asked if they could understand what the physician wrote, he/she indicated only about half.

4. Staff member #8 (ASL interpreter) indicated in interview at 4:20 p.m. on 11/18/14 that an appointment had been made for 9:00-9:30 a.m. on 11/18/14 for him/her to be in the room with the patient and physician for rounds. The physician did not show up and he/she waited an hour for the physician. He/she wrote a note and left it on the bedside table that indicated that an interpreter was needed for this patient and gave a phone number to call to request the interpreter.

5. The note left at bedside by staff member #8 stated: "This patient must have an ASL interpreter when discussing care plan, test results or medicines. It is best to request an interpreter in advance to be certain someone is available. Interpreter same day request 296-2142........" The note was signed by staff member #8.