Language Access, Accessibility, and Nondiscrimination
Sets out how the Agency identifies each patient’s language and communication needs, provides qualified interpreters, translated documents, and auxiliary aids at no cost, gives notice that this help is available, and makes sure no patient is discriminated against.
About this policy
- Policy number
- TX-HH-PR-04
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- 42 CFR §484.50(f)
- Library
- Texas home health · 56 policies
- Category
- Patient rights
- Sections
- 19
In short
- Ask every new patient which language they prefer and whether they need help such as a sign language interpreter or large print. Record it.
- Use our interpreter service for any patient who does not speak English well. It is free and available 24 hours a day.
- Never ask a child to interpret. Do not use family or friends to interpret except in an emergency or when the patient asks for it in private.
- For a patient who is deaf or hard of hearing, use a qualified sign language interpreter or the patient’s preferred method. Call text telephone users through Relay Texas at 711.
- Write the interpreter’s name or ID number in every visit note where one was used.
What's inside
19 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- 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. Notices
- 10. Qualified Bilingual Staff
- 11. Complaints of Discrimination
- 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
- This patient speaks Vietnamese. Show me how the rights notice was communicated to her.
- How does a nurse get an interpreter at 7 p.m. on a Saturday?
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