Interpreting Healthcare 
11/13/2014
Why Interpret?
Where’s the Data? 
“Studies have found adequate interpretation 
and translation for patients with LEP leads to 
fewer medical errors, increased patient 
compliance, increased patient satisfaction, 
and better use of primary services” 
(Minnesota Department of Health, 2008).
CCH Policy 
Title: Interpreter – Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard of Hearing 
● Policy: CentraCare Health will make available and coordinate interpreter 
and assisted communication services for limited English proficient persons 
and persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. 
● These services will be provided at no cost to the patient/responsible party. 
● The availability of sign language interpreters, language interpreters (by 
phone or in person or by Video Remote) and assistive communication 
devices may vary by site and resources. 
Ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 
American Disabilities Act of 1990
NCIHC Code of Ethics 
‰The interpreter strives to render the message 
accurately, conveying the content and spirit of 
the original message, taking into consideration 
its cultural context. 
“It is, therefore, necessary that the interpreter convey 
everything that is said by either party in its entirety and in 
the manner in which the message is delivered, that is, 
without omitting from, adding to, or distorting the message.”
Epic - Document Use of Interpreter 
1. FHAAS 
a. Cognitive - Perceptual 
2. AID 
a. Interpreter
References 
CentraCare Health. (2014). Interpreter - Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing. 
Hadziabdic, E., & Hjelm, K. (2013). Working with interpreters: Practical advice for use of 
an interpreter in healthcare. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 11, 69-76. 
Maltby, H. (1999). Interpreters: A double-edged sword in nursing practice. Journal of 
Transcultural Nursing, 10, 248-254 
Minnesota Department of Health. (2008). Health care interpreters in Minnesota. 
National Council on Interpreting in Health Care. (2004). A code of ethics for health care
Interpreters in behavioral health

Interpreters in behavioral health

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
    Where’s the Data? “Studies have found adequate interpretation and translation for patients with LEP leads to fewer medical errors, increased patient compliance, increased patient satisfaction, and better use of primary services” (Minnesota Department of Health, 2008).
  • 4.
    CCH Policy Title:Interpreter – Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard of Hearing ● Policy: CentraCare Health will make available and coordinate interpreter and assisted communication services for limited English proficient persons and persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. ● These services will be provided at no cost to the patient/responsible party. ● The availability of sign language interpreters, language interpreters (by phone or in person or by Video Remote) and assistive communication devices may vary by site and resources. Ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the American Disabilities Act of 1990
  • 5.
    NCIHC Code ofEthics ‰The interpreter strives to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration its cultural context. “It is, therefore, necessary that the interpreter convey everything that is said by either party in its entirety and in the manner in which the message is delivered, that is, without omitting from, adding to, or distorting the message.”
  • 6.
    Epic - DocumentUse of Interpreter 1. FHAAS a. Cognitive - Perceptual 2. AID a. Interpreter
  • 7.
    References CentraCare Health.(2014). Interpreter - Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Hadziabdic, E., & Hjelm, K. (2013). Working with interpreters: Practical advice for use of an interpreter in healthcare. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 11, 69-76. Maltby, H. (1999). Interpreters: A double-edged sword in nursing practice. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 10, 248-254 Minnesota Department of Health. (2008). Health care interpreters in Minnesota. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care. (2004). A code of ethics for health care

Editor's Notes

  • #2 Introduce Show of hands My background in interpretation
  • #6 Language Access Network, the organization behind Martti, adheres to National Council on Interpreting in Health Care Code of Ethics. Bill in MN Senate, SF 2235, mandates use of NCIHC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.