CLAS Standard #5

Standard 5: “Health care organizations must provide to patients/consumers in their preferred language both verbal offers and written notices informing them of their right to receive language assistance services”.

We have previously discussed the need for health care providers to provide multilingual services to patients.  It is also necessary to clearly notify (in verbal and written form) patients of these valuable services.

Due to intimidation, unawareness, or lack of time, patients may refrain from inquiring about translation services.  Therefore, it is the health care provider’s responsibility and ethical drive to actively offer patients free translation services. Health care providers should inquire and keep a record of patients’ preferred language; this can be documented and accessed in the patients’ demographic data.

According to The U.S Department of Health and Human Services, some methods of informing patients/consumers of language assistance services include:

• Posting signs in common languages at entrances and
• Using “I speak…card” to identify patients/consumers’ preferred language

Photo taken by Francisco Seoane Perez

Bilingual information and language assistance services requirement may seem unnecessary to some providers. However, from a malpractice point of view, lack of language services can have dire effects. Providing patients with the necessary information, instruction, and education in their native language is critical for health care quality improvement.   

Now, we can also look at this standard from two other points of view:

• First, language services are a government-mandated requirement.  This especially applies to those health care institutions receiving federal funding.
• Second, language services are fundamental to improving quality care.  Health care providers who have the motivation and self-initiative to provide patients clear and accurate treatment must strive for quality language services.