Access to hospital interpreter services for limited English proficient patients in New Jersey: a statewide evaluation.

Context/objectives: We surveyed New Jersey (NJ) hospitals to assess current language services and identify policy recommendations on meeting limited English proficiency (LEP) patients' needs.

Methods: Survey with 37 questions regarding hospital/patient features, interpreter services, and resources/policies needed to provide quality interpreter services.

Results: Sixty-seven hospitals responded (55% response rate).

The medical tongue: U.S. laws and policies on language access.

For twenty-three million Americans who speak English less than "very well," language barriers lead to lower quality of and worse access to health care. Although the breadth of existing federal and state language access laws might seem sufficient, the lack of comprehensive implementation and enforcement leaves millions of patients with limited English proficiency forced to accept a lower quality of care than English speakers receive. This paper reviews existing laws and offers solutions focusing on five themes: access, funding, education, quality improvement, and accountability.

The legal framework for language access in healthcare settings: Title VI and beyond.

Over the past few decades, the number and diversity of limited English speakers in the USA has burgeoned. With this increased diversity has come increased pressure--including new legal requirements--on healthcare systems and clinicians to ensure equal treatment of limited English speakers. Healthcare providers are often unclear about their legal obligations to provide language services.