CMS SOM App. U, Tag R101

The RNHCI must do the following:

(1) Inform each patient of his or her rights in advance of furnishing patient care.

Interpretive Guidelines: §403.730(a)(1)

The RNHCI has provided information to the patient and representatives in terms and in a

language he or she understands. If the patient’s knowledge of English or the predominant

language of the facility is inadequate for comprehension, a means to communicate in a

language familiar to the patient must be available and implemented. The facility should

have written translations, as applicable, of its statements of rights and responsibilities,

and should make the services of an interpreter available if needed. For hearing impaired

patients who communicate by signing, the facility is expected to provide an interpreter.

Large print text of the facility statement of patient rights and responsibilities should also

be available.

When State or Federal laws regarding patient rights change during a patient stay, the

patient and/or his or her legal representative should be promptly informed of these

changes.

Survey Procedures:

• Determine if individuals and representatives are aware of the individual’s rights

and the rules of the facility.

• Does the facility have a formalized statement of rights and responsibilities?

• Does the facility verify that patients have received and understand their rights and

responsibilities?