Professional Interpretation Services Are Not Only Necessary, They Are Required By Law:
People from various cultural backgrounds live throughout American communities and as diversity continues to grow, so will the need for professional interpretation services. Interpretation services break down language barriers and allow people who do not speak the same language the ability to communicate smoothly and accurately. Communication is needed in many facets of public interaction including obtaining services, purchasing products and when receiving healthcare. Interpreters are trained and experienced professional linguists who facilitate communication by converting the source language into the target language, allowing/permitting everyone involved to fully grasp the information at hand.
Not only do interpretation services bridge language gaps; they reduce stress, uncertainty and low productivity rate which language barriers oftentimes create. Poor communication or miscommunication can put limited English proficient (LEP) individuals at risk in legal and medical settings. One misunderstood word or misconstrued point can create injustice in a legal situation or even death in an emergency medical scenario.
Professional interpretation services are vital in this day and age; making the accommodations necessary to ensure effective communication is facilitated is now the law. The following is a breakdown of the laws that are now in place that require the provision of professional interpretation services when faced with a language barrier.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
This legislation prohibits discrimination and guarantees people with disabilities the same rights and opportunities to participate in and benefit from services offered by mainstream American society. This means a medical interpreter must be provided, “when requested” to aid in communication in healthcare settings. Failure to comply with this anti-discrimination may result in substantial penalties from civil rights legislation and can also cast a poor light upon the medical facilities.
Affordable Care Act (ACA), Section 1557:
Section 1557 is the civil rights provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), this law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs or activities which receive funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The law requires that covered entities take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to all patients regardless of the circumstances. Covered entities are now required to incorporate language services into their practice in order to better assist with patients who need aid to communicate. Section 1557 prohibits the use of a bilingual staff member, child or family member to be used as a medical interpreter.
Contact A Reputable Language Service Company (LSC) In Order to Obtain Professional Interpretation Services:
Niki’s Int’l Ltd. is a language service company (LSC) with over 20 years of experience aiding companies, organizations, facilities and individuals communicate in every setting imaginable. They break down language barriers and bridge them with interpretation services such as on-site interpretation, telephonic interpretation as well as video remote interpretation (VRI). Investing in professional interpretation services can drastically reduce the confusion, frustration and potential negative outcomes associated with language barriers. Allow Niki’s Int’l Ltd. to aid you not only in abiding by the law but in ensuring your communication with LEP individuals is seamless and accurate.
Niki’s Int’l Ltd. is a WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprise with 20 years of language service experience. A global network of highly skilled interpreters and translators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for on-site, telephonic and video remote interpretation services. Our linguists are available in over 350 languages and dialects, and our network includes certified interpreters and translators. Our work is guaranteed with a $1 Million Errors & Omissions policy so that you can be confident that your project will be completed with the highest level of quality and professionalism within the field. For more information contact us at 1-877-567-8449 or visit our website at www.nilservices.com.