“You need an interpreter whenever a patient requests an interpreter, or whenever you as a provider believe that language or cultural differences may be causing a barrier to clear communication between you and your patient. Legally, you are required to provide language assistance for limited-English-speakers if you receive federal funds of any kind. According to Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, no recipient of federal funding may run its programs in such a way as to discriminate on the basis of race, color or country of national origin. One common form of discrimination on the basis of national origin is ineffective methods of communication between English-speaking staff and limited-English-speaking patients. One method to ensure equal access is to work through trained interpreters. The Office of Civil Rights has taken action in numerous parts of the country against institutions who are out of compliance with Title VI by not providing linguistically appropriate care.” – Publisher’s description
