Should the script for asking race/ethnicity/language questions be in paper or electronic format?
This decision is up to each hospital. It is easier for staff if the script is on the patient registration screen, but some hospitals have indicated that there is not enough room on their screens to accommodate this option. When the script cannot be placed directly on the screen, it is best to have laminated cards, with the script typed in large bold-faced font, at each registration station. • Is it okay to record race/ethnicity by observation when it is obvious to the staff and especially if the person has been coming to the hospital for years? No. All information on race/ethnicity/language needs to be captured through self-report of the patient or his/her caregiver. Otherwise the person is recorded as either “declined” or “unavailable” (see definitions for specifications).
