This letter explains the training requirements for direct care staff in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities to ensure effective communication with residents. It outlines the definition of "communications" and "direct care staff" and provides guidance on recommended methods of effective communication. Facilities must provide training on communication topics and must ensure that residents are informed of their total health status and rights both orally and in writing in a language they can understand. Training topics should reflect the needs of the resident population and the needs of staff, and should include methods such as using the resident's name, allowing extra time, avoiding distractions and maintaining eye contact, speaking slowly and clearly, using visual aids, and repeating back what the resident has said. Facilities must also provide training on identifying resident non-verbal communication and understanding their own non-verbal communication. This letter will impact nursing homes and healthcare facilities by requiring them to provide training on communication topics and methods to ensure effective communication with residents. They must also ensure that residents are informed of their total health status and rights both orally and in writing in a language they can understand.

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