Encounters Online Magazine
|
11
o Function, overall purpose and end use of the source text
o Description of target audience for translated text – literacy level, cultural
concepts, and regional language variations
o Specific needs and special requirements, such as adaptation for low literacy
level or specific terminology preferences
o Specific deadline by which the document is required
The translator should meet the following qualifications:
o Ability to read and write at a professional level in the source and
target language
o Knowledge and experience with the culture of the intended audience
o Knowledge of medical terminology and concepts
o Experience as a medical translator
The translation should be reviewed and edited by a professional editor
with the following criteria in mind:
o Reliability – meaning of original text is clearly conveyed in the
new language
o Completeness – nothing is omitted or added to the original message
o Accuracy – text is free of spelling and grammatical errors
o Cultural Appropriateness – message is meaningful and appropriate
for the target culture
The translation function may be outsourced. If so, recommend the following
criteria to ensure that the translation provider:
o Offers transparency in its processes
o Uses up-to-date technology and tools (including translation memory)
o Uses HIPAA and HITECH Compliant security measures
o Includes editing, proofreading, language localization and formatting
as steps in its process
o Has mechanisms for Quality Assurance / Quality Control (such as ISO
Certification which specifies requirements for a quality management system)
Recommendations for
American Sign Language
Interpreters
1.
To prohibit the practice of requiring patients to bring their own interpreters in
health care settings.
2.
To limit the use of uncertified and unqualified individuals to assist with
communication — including but not limited to friends, family members, associates,
and others — to those medical emergency situations—both physical and mental
health emergencies — in which an interpreter not associated with the patient is not
available by any other means, including but not limited to in-house, contracted,
and remote interpreters.
In routine situations a provider will use a certified and qualified interpreter not
associated with the patient at no cost to the patient. The health care facility staff
will inform the patient — in the patient’s preferred language — that a qualified
interpreter will be provided at no cost to the patient.
Definitions:
Remote interpreters shall be defined as certified and qualified interpreters who
make their services available via communications technologies, such as
telephonic interpreting and web-based videoconferencing systems.
3.
To require qualifications and successful completion of HHS agency approved
training as set out below for any individual in the state of Texas who provides
interpreting services as part of his or her professional duties in a health
care setting.
Recommend the following interpreter qualifications:
Sign Language Certification recognized by the Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
Experience as an Interpreter in a Health Care Setting Training in:
Interpreting Skills
o Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting
o Sight Translation
o Protocols (Managing the session)
Code of Ethics for Health Care Interpreters
Standards of Practice for Health Care Interpreters
Roles of the Health Care Interpreter
Cultural Awareness
Legislation and Regulations: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Health
Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Health Information
Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), National
Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).
General Medical Knowledge
o Anatomical Terms for Major Body Systems
o Medical Tests and Diagnostics
o Common Specialties and Medications (including physical and mental health)
o Acronyms and Abbreviations
o Routine Medical Equipment
o Infection Control
o Onsite Mentoring
o Mental/Behavioral Health
Common Disorders of Adults, Children/Adolescents
Common Medications
Psychiatric Tests and Diagnostics
Treatment Plans
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Legal Status (Voluntary, POEC, OPC)
An HHS agency shall have authority to establish, by rule, the minimum
standards for approved training and interpreter qualifications.
4.
That a registry of healthcare interpreters be established through a non-profit or
government organization in which interpreters who have successfully completed
an HHS agency approved training may register.
Esther Diaz, Chair
Advisory Committee on Qualifications
For Healthcare Translators and Interpreters
Advisory Committee meetings are free and open to the public.
For additional information about the Committee and its work, see:
AdvisoryCommittees/HCT/default.shtml
For Resources for Interpreters and Translators in Healthcare, see:
1...,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 12,13,14,15,16