As of 2018, 200,877 Indiana residents, or 3.2% of the state population, had limited English language proficiency (LEP). To serve LEP patients best, ISMA encourages the use of qualified interpreters as a primary resource for them, when available, instead of untrained staff or a patient’s friend or relative. 

Promotion of qualified interpreters became part of ISMA’s policy last year with the adoption of Resolution 21-43. The resolution’s author, Medical Student Society member Leah Amstutz, noted that qualified medical interpreters are “individuals who follow interpreter ethics and confidentiality, are proficient in both English and the target language and can effectively and accurately use the necessary medical terminology.”  “Ad hoc” interpreters, in contrast, are “individuals who have not been trained or certified in medical interpreting and include people such as a patient’s family, friends and medical staff who may speak another language but have not been trained in medical interpretation.” 

Inappropriate language services can contribute to higher rates of interpreting errors, patient harm and medical malpractice claims, Amstutz’s research showed. 

Larger medical practices and hospitals may be more likely to already employ qualified medical interpreters, since federal laws require language services to be provided by any practice that receives federal funds. For other practices that do not, the following resources may be helpful.

Resolution 21-43 

HHS LEP Resources for Effective Communication 
 
ProAssurance Risk Resources Guidelines

A Patient-Centered Guide to Implementing Language Services in Healthcare Organizations