Federal Requirements
In August 2000, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 13166 for Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. This EO enforces the existing obligation of Title VI and includes that all federally conducted & federally assisted programs (such as federally qualified health centers) to plan and implement meaningful policies and practices to increase access to services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
For more information regarding Executive Order 13166, visit Commonly Asked Questionsand Answers FAQ.
Ways in which organizations adhere to EO 13166:
- Provide interpretive services whether in house or contracted
- Professional translating materials into different m different languages or forms (such as braille, large text or in auditory form)
- Providing culturally appropriate Patient Advocate/Navigator/Community Health Worker
- Hiring a language access specialist
- Train staff on culture appropriateness and agility
- Referral list of supportive community based resources for LEP
Oregon Health Care Interpretation Requirements
Oregon state law provides additional obligations in terms of language access. OregonHouse Bill 2419 states that health care interpreters must adhere to testing and become qualified and certified to practice interpretation. This includes American Sign Language interpreters alongside the rules for foreign translators.
The Oregon Health Authority’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) oversees the certification and qualification process of health care interpreters and provides training support and resources. For more information about the certification and qualification process, visit the Office of Equity and Inclusion webpage.
Language Access Resources
- Language Access Services Policy and Health Care Interpreters presentation from David Cardona, MD, MPH – Presentation slide deck from the Oregon Health Authority for OPCA members
- Language Access Assessment and Planning Tool for Federally Conducted & Federally Assisted Programs
- Limited English Proficiency Federal Interagency – a website for federally assisted programs which provides facts, tools, and technical assistance that supports the Executive Order 1366 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
- 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service – telephone service for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities
- Language Line University – provides language access services and the training or testing of bilingual staff
- How to Become a Qualified or Certified Health Care Interpreter
- The Cross Cultural Health Care Program
- A Patient-Centered Guide to Implementing Language Access Services in Healthcare Organizations
- Language Access Checklist for Marketplace Implementation
Questions?
Visit the Oregon Health Authority’s Office of Equity Inclusion page or contact OPCA’s language access point of contact, Stephanie Castano at scastano@orpca.org.
