CNA Resident Rights and Communication — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal legislation established specific rights for nursing home residents?
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) of 1987 (Correct answer)
- Medicare Modernization Act
Correct answer: OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) of 1987
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 established a comprehensive set of rights for nursing home residents, including the right to privacy, dignity, autonomy, freedom from abuse and restraints, and the right to be fully informed of their medical condition.
Question 2: A resident's family member asks a CNA for details about the resident's medical condition. How should the CNA respond?
- Share all information freely since family are legally entitled to know
- Refuse to communicate with family members under any circumstances
- Verify consent and refer questions about medical details to the nurse or according to the resident's authorization (Correct answer)
- Tell the family to ask the doctor directly without verifying consent
Correct answer: Verify consent and refer questions about medical details to the nurse or according to the resident's authorization
Under HIPAA, protected health information cannot be shared without the resident's consent. Even with family, the CNA should verify that the resident has authorized the sharing of their information. The CNA should refer the family to the nurse if in doubt.
Question 3: A resident tells a CNA that they do not want a specific treatment. What should the CNA do?
- Perform the treatment anyway because it is ordered by the physician
- Tell the resident they have no choice since it is on the care plan
- Respect the refusal, avoid performing the care, and report to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Wait to see if the resident changes their mind before reporting
Correct answer: Respect the refusal, avoid performing the care, and report to the nurse immediately
Residents have the right to refuse treatment. The CNA should listen to the resident, avoid performing the refused care, and immediately report the refusal to the charge nurse. The nurse will document the refusal, notify the physician, and ensure the resident's decision is respected.
Question 4: What does the right to privacy mean for a nursing home resident?
- Residents have the right to refuse all care
- Residents cannot have visitors without staff supervision
- Residents have the right to private communications, closed doors during care, and control over their personal information (Correct answer)
- Privacy only applies to financial information
Correct answer: Residents have the right to private communications, closed doors during care, and control over their personal information
Privacy rights include the right to private conversations, closed doors during care, control over who visits, and protection of personal information. CNAs must knock before entering a resident's room, close curtains during care, and avoid discussing resident information in public areas.
Question 5: Which communication technique is most effective when speaking with a hearing-impaired resident?
- Shout loudly so they can hear across the room
- Write all communications instead of speaking
- Face the resident, speak clearly at a normal pitch, and check for comprehension (Correct answer)
- Speak very rapidly to keep the resident engaged
Correct answer: Face the resident, speak clearly at a normal pitch, and check for comprehension
When communicating with a hearing-impaired resident, the CNA should face the resident directly, speak clearly at a normal or slightly lower pitch (not shouting), use short sentences, check for understanding, and ensure hearing aids are in and working if prescribed.
Question 6: A resident expresses concern that a staff member has been taking their belongings. What should the CNA do?
- Tell the resident they are probably mistaken
- Ignore it since the CNA did not personally witness the incident
- Take the concern seriously, listen empathetically, and report it to the supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Ask other residents whether they saw anything before reporting
Correct answer: Take the concern seriously, listen empathetically, and report it to the supervisor immediately
Misappropriation of resident property is a form of abuse that must be reported. The CNA should take the complaint seriously, listen empathetically, and report it to the supervisor or charge nurse immediately. The resident's rights include the right to have their concerns heard and investigated.
CNA Resident Rights and Communication
Which federal legislation established specific rights for nursing home residents?