IHP 420 discussion 3
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
IHP 420
Subject
Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
1
Uploaded by AmbassadorArt4752
Hello Class,
We have scheduled this meeting to explain to you why it is important that patients have access to
information regarding their medical treatments in the language they prefer.
A qualified interpreter is
required to be provided to patients who do not speak English by medical providers and health insurance
companies under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ("Section 1557 of the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act," 2023).
Using the appropriate specialized vocabulary, an interpreter qualifies as
competent if he or she is capable of accurately translating two languages.
To avoid malpractice claims,
we need to ensure that anyone who interprets medical information to patients is competent to do so,
even though there is no official certification program. Medical information should not be interpreted by
individuals unqualified to do so, as this could lead to misunderstandings, devastating outcomes, or even
death. Interpreters are skilled at removing emotional bias and reducing trauma and anxiety due to their
training, knowledge, and cultural awareness. By doing this, the patient and their family as well as their
physician or care team can develop a deeper level of trust. This goal has led our administration to
purchase an online interpretation system that can be used to provide accurate interpretations of our
patient's medical records. As of 2017, 8% of Medicare's 52 million beneficiaries struggled with limited
English proficiency (LEP), according to a 2017 report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS, 2017). It is more likely that a hospital will be sued for malpractice if the patient does not
understand the medical information given to them. As a result of language barriers, hospitals are now
required to provide interpreter services to their patients starting today. A person who utilizes alternative
methods for translation services may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. While this
may seem drastic to some, the administration must ensure that employees do not put the organization
at risk of malpractice lawsuits. To ensure understanding, empower patients, and provide high-quality
care, effective communication is essential.
CMS. (2017, April). UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE NEEDS OF MEDICARE
BENEFICIARIES. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS. https://www.cms.gov/About-
CMS/Agency-Information/OMH/Downloads/Issue-Briefs-Understanding-Communication-and-Language-
Needs-of-Medicare-Beneficiaries.pdf
Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (2023, September 6). HHS.gov.
https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html
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