Health Right, Inc. (HRI) is dedicated to the prevention of language and culture from becoming a barrier to member's ability to access quality healthcare. Not only is it an ethical commitment; it is the law in the District of Columbia.
The DC "Language Access Act of 2004" purpose is to increase access and participation for DC residents with limited or no-English proficiency. The Act requires certain entities that render services in the District to provide oral interpretation and written translation of documents for designated languages.
DC established a dynamic formula for determining which languages should be included and took into consideration the increase and or decrease of individuals who might speak certain languages at any one time. Currently, covered entities are required to provide written translations of vital documents in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Amharic. What is a vital document? Some examples would be legal contracts, materials that inform an individual about their rights, benefits, and or eligibility.
Communication is critical in the provision of quality medical and health care. Along with translated materials, individuals with limited or no English proficiency must be offered oral interpretation services. Fortunately, there are several ways to access interpreters in real-time. HRI utilizes the AT&T Language line to communicate with limited or non- English speaking members.
Using a patient's family member(s) as an interpreter has its drawbacks. Certified Interpreters who work and are familiar with the medical community/profession are better suited to convey accurate information between you and your patient. Another reason to consider the services of a certified oral interpreter is the assurance of confidentiality due to the sensitivity of some information. A non-English speaking mother may not want her young son or daughter to act as the interpreter due to certain aspects of her symptoms or medical history. Bottom line, the patient should always be given the option of utilizing a certified oral interpreter.
While the Language Access Act requires the provision of interpretation and translation services for non-English speakers, it does not address individuals who are hearing or sight impaired, or have speech difficulties. That is because those groups are already protected under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
If you have any questions or would like more information on this subject, please contact Health Right, Inc. and someone would be happy to assist you.
Neither Health Right, Inc. nor any of its employees, contractors, and operatives shall discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other characteristics that may be protected by Federal, State, or local law.