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Language Access, Accessibility, and Effective Communication

Sets out how the Agency finds out each patient's language and communication needs, provides qualified interpreters, translated documents and auxiliary aids and services at no cost, avoids relying on family members or children to interpret, records each use, and keeps the written language access and effective communication procedures that 42 CFR §484.50(f) and the Section 1557 rule (45 CFR Part 92) require.

Preview: full text with a package
About this policy
Policy number
MI-HH-PR-04
Version
1.0
Main rule
42 CFR §484.50(f)
Library
Michigan home health · 57 policies
Category
Client rights
Sections
18

In short

  • Ask every patient which language they prefer and whether they need help to see, hear or understand.
  • Use a qualified interpreter, in person, by video or by phone. It is always free for the patient.
  • Do not use family members or children to interpret, except briefly in an emergency.
  • Offer large print, Braille, audio, sign language or other aids, and respect the patient's choice.
  • Record every interpreter or aid you use on the form or in the visit note.

What's inside

18 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.

Full text with a package
  • Terms of Reference
  • 1. Purpose
  • 2. Scope
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Policy Statement (42 CFR §484.50(f))
  • 5. Finding Out Each Patient’s Needs
  • 6. Interpreters
  • 7. Translated Documents
  • 8. Auxiliary Aids and Services for People With Disabilities
  • 9. The Agency’s Written Language Access and Effective Communication Procedures
  • 10. Recording Each Use
  • 11. Responsibilities
  • 12. Records and Compliance Monitoring
  • 13. Staff Training
  • 14. References
  • 15. Related Policies and Forms
  • 16. Approval
  • 17. Revision History

An inspector may ask

  • How do you find out a patient’s preferred language and communication needs, and where is it recorded?
  • Show me how you obtained an interpreter for this patient. Who interpreted at the admission visit?

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