Providing language services in healthcare is essential to serving the increasing
number of Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients admitted to hospitals across
the country. An LEP person entering a healthcare facility has the right to the same
services as an English speaker. Through language services, barriers to patient-provider
communication can be overcome.
Providing language services for LEP patients:
- Creates better quality of care and health outcomes
- Improves patient flow and resource utilization
- Provides greater access to healthcare and increases patient satisfaction
- Helps demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations
Create Better Health Outcomes
Accurate diagnosis, treatment and adherence to a treatment plan all require effective
two-way communication. Language barriers negatively affect patient-provider communication.
Neglecting adequate language service provision may result in substandard care that
can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment and failure to follow treatment instructions.
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Improve Patient Flow and Resource Utilization
For patients to receive proper care, staff must communicate effectively. The inability to do so may result in improper triage, unnecessary tests, and inadequate treatment. By providing language services, hospital staff can determine the most appropriate course of action in a clinically relevant timeframe, resulting in better patient care. Read more
Provide Meaningful Access to Healthcare and Increase Patient Satisfaction
Language barriers can create access barriers. By providing language services, the burden of medical access is lifted from all parties. Patient rights are respected and patient satisfaction increases.
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Compliance with State and Federal Regulations
Federal law mandates meaningful access for LEP persons in most healthcare organizations (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Demonstrating compliance mitigates the risk of costly litigation and/or the withdrawal of federal funding. In July 2009, the Department of Justice announced “a government wide initiative to strengthen the enforcement of Title VI", indicating the current administration’s firm position on the issue. Read more
Read the 12 Warning Signs
Language Assistance Plan
Per Executive Order 13166, all federal agencies are required to maintain a written Language Assistance Plan (LAP) clarifying the steps they will take to ensure access for LEP individuals. This legislation indicates the compliance expectations placed on federal funds recipients. Read more
CyraCom: Interpretation and Translation Solutions for Healthcare
We assist our clients in the development and implementation of a comprehensive
language program. Please provide your information for a
free consultation.
CyraCom provides innovative language services for healthcare and our interpretation
and translation solutions are exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association.
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