08/07/2025
85-year-old grandmas have it.
6-year-old school children do, too.
Anyone of any age with a non-English language preference (NELP) has access to free professional medical interpreting services.
Without these services, friends and family members often act as interpreters, but they can make mistakes that jeopardize a patient’s health.
Besides, who wants to talk about sensitive medical information or distressing pain in front of a relative?
Federally funded healthcare orgs are required by law via the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to provide meaningful access to interpreters.
Because professional medical interpreters protect patient safety and their dignity.
No matter what your native language is or age, your health care provider is required by law to provide free translation services.