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Language Access, Accessibility, and Effective Communication

Sets out how the Agency identifies each patient’s language and communication needs, provides qualified interpreters, translated documents and auxiliary aids and services free of charge, limits the use of family members and children as interpreters, gives the notice of free language assistance, and makes reasonable modifications for patients with disabilities, so that every patient receives information in plain language and in a manner that is accessible and timely.

Preview: full text with a package
About this policy
Policy number
PA-HH-PR-04
Version
1.0
Main rule
42 CFR §484.50(f)
Library
Pennsylvania home health · 56 policies
Category
Client rights
Sections
19

In short

  • Use a qualified interpreter whenever a patient needs one; the service is free and available 24 hours a day.
  • Never ask a child to interpret, and do not use a family member or friend except in an emergency or when the patient asks for it in private with an interpreter present.
  • Offer large print, reading aloud, braille or a sign language interpreter to patients who need them.
  • Dial 711 to reach a patient who uses a text telephone.
  • Write down in your visit note who interpreted, how, and in which language.

What's inside

19 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. Identifying Language and Communication Needs
  • 6. Interpreters
  • 7. Written Translations and Alternative Formats
  • 8. Patients With Disabilities
  • 9. Qualified Bilingual Staff
  • 10. Notice of Free Language Assistance
  • 11. Complaints About Language Access or Communication
  • 12. Responsibilities
  • 13. Records and Compliance Monitoring
  • 14. Staff Training
  • 15. References
  • 16. Related Policies and Forms
  • 17. Approval
  • 18. Revision History

An inspector may ask

  • How do you find out at referral that a patient needs an interpreter or a sign language interpreter?
  • Show me how a nurse gets an interpreter in the patient’s home on a Saturday.

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