Hearing Without Understanding: A Proposal to Modify Federal Translation Guidelines to Improve Healthcare for Citizens with Limited English Proficiency

Posted: 21 Feb 2003

See all articles by Brandy L. Glasser

Brandy L. Glasser

Independent

Bryan A. Liang

University of California San Diego School of Medicine

Abstract

Individuals with limited english proficiency have significant difficulties in obtaining access to necessary health care services in the United States. Guidelines have been issued by the federal government in an effort to address this need. However, these guidelines have created controversy in terms of provider cost and, in particular, when telephone-based language interpretation use by providers is acceptable for these patients. The authors review the background and debate in these areas. They propose a policy that allows for the use of telephone-based language interpretation services by providers through an alteration of federal policy, financial incentives via the Medicare and Medicaid system, and a federal/state certification process for telephone-based language interpretation providers.

Keywords: limited english proficiency, telephone-based interpretation, Medicare/Medicaid incentives, federal/state certification

JEL Classification: I0, I18, K23

Suggested Citation

Glasser, Brandy L. and Liang, Bryan A., Hearing Without Understanding: A Proposal to Modify Federal Translation Guidelines to Improve Healthcare for Citizens with Limited English Proficiency. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=363920

Brandy L. Glasser

Independent ( email )

820 W. Mill St. Apt. 105B
62901
618-549-1080 (Phone)

Bryan A. Liang (Contact Author)

University of California San Diego School of Medicine ( email )

San Diego Center for Patient Safety
350 Cedar Street
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
619-515-1568 (Phone)
619-515-1599 (Fax)

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