Aside from legal requirements, it is important to understand how the translation and interpretation process works and how it serves the needs of care givers and receivers. Please review the linked article. https://nam.edu/language-interpretation-and-translation-a-clarification-and-reference-checklist-in-service-of-health-literacy-and-cultural-respect/
There are a number of state and federal laws that require hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services for patients who are limited English proficient (LEP) or have disabilities that affect their ability to communicate. These laws are intended to ensure that LEP patients and patients with disabilities have equal access to healthcare and are able to fully participate in the healthcare process.
At the federal level, the most relevant law is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. This includes healthcare programs and activities, such as hospitals. Title VI requires hospitals to provide language assistance services, such as translation and interpretation, to LEP patients in order to ensure effective communication and equal access to healthcare.
In addition to Title VI, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also requires hospitals to provide language assistance services to LEP patients. Specifically, the ACA requires hospitals to have a written language assistance plan in place, and to provide language assistance services, such as translation and interpretation, to LEP patients free of charge.
Some states have laws that require hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients or to patients with disabilities that affect their ability to communicate. It is important for hospitals to be aware of and comply with these laws, as failure to do so could result in legal action and consequences for the hospital.
- California: California has a number of laws that require hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients. For example, the California Health and Safety Code requires hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients free of charge, and to have a written language assistance plan in place.
- New York: New York state law requires hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients and to patients with disabilities that affect their ability to communicate. The law also requires hospitals to have a written language assistance plan in place and to provide information about these services to patients.
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts law requires hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients free of charge, and to have a written language assistance plan in place. The law also requires hospitals to designate a staff member to coordinate language assistance services and to provide training to staff on how to communicate with LEP patients.
- Illinois: The law requires hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients and to patients with disabilities that affect their ability to communicate. The law also requires hospitals to have a written language assistance plan in place and to provide information about these services to patients.
- Florida: The law requires hospitals to provide translation and interpretation services to LEP patients and to patients with disabilities that affect their ability to communicate. The law also requires hospitals to have a written language assistance plan in place and to provide information about these services to patients. In addition, the law requires hospitals to designate a staff member to coordinate language assistance services and to provide training to staff on how to communicate with LEP patients.