Language Access: Helping Non-English Speakers Navigate Health and Human Services
Author: Morse, Ann
Date Published: 2003
Language access has come to the forefront as a critical issue in quality and access to care as the nation's population--and languages--have become increasingly diverse. Public and private organizations have begun to address language barriers to ensure the effective communication between service providers and patients, particularly I health care. The language gap can lead to delays in or denial of service, unnecessary tests, more costly or invasive treatment. Language barriers are a contributing factor in health care disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and in a lack of health insurance among immigrants and minorities. In a series of federal guidances since 2000, federal agencies have reminded recipients of federal funds of their obligation under civil rights law to provide meaningful access to their services for limited-English proficient individuals.
Date Published: 2003
Language access has come to the forefront as a critical issue in quality and access to care as the nation's population--and languages--have become increasingly diverse. Public and private organizations have begun to address language barriers to ensure the effective communication between service providers and patients, particularly I health care. The language gap can lead to delays in or denial of service, unnecessary tests, more costly or invasive treatment. Language barriers are a contributing factor in health care disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and in a lack of health insurance among immigrants and minorities. In a series of federal guidances since 2000, federal agencies have reminded recipients of federal funds of their obligation under civil rights law to provide meaningful access to their services for limited-English proficient individuals.
