As a medical interpreter in the healthcare industry I am contantly advising providers on the appropriate use of interpreters. One would think that this is something that requires very little thought or even common sense. However, there really are a set of guidelines that providers should follow in order to have a successful and productive encounter with an LEP patient.
While conducting some research I came across this video, titled " 10 Tips for Working with Language Interpreters" Watch this video and take some notes, it will help you during your next interpretation encounter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX_krmqsWJ0
26 August, 2013
17 August, 2013
A Word About Department of Labor Protections for Interpreters
Interpreters who are employees of healthcare organizations are covered by the same labor protection statutes as all other employees, there may be some minor distinctions. Of Course if you are self employed and working as a contracted interpreter you are not. However, employers must comply with Wage and Hour Laws, the Family Medical Leave Act 1992, Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and more. In addition, they must comply with some state statutes.
In Massachusetts for instance if you feel that you were discriminated against by your employer you may file a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Once your claim is heard and it is determined that you were in fact discriminated against the MCAD will negotiate a remedy on your behalf. However, one always has the right to pursue their case with an attorney specializing in labor disputes. Just because one does not belong to a union does not mean you do not have rights or that someone can violate your rights.
Shortly, you will begin to see more information regarding federal and state agencies that may interest you, my readers, and provide you with valuable information with which all interpreter should be familair with. Regardless of whether you are self employed, full time, part time, or a per diem employee. it is important to understand the labors laws of your state and federal government. For now start with this federal website that covers all federal DOL statutes.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/lawsprog.htm
Meanwhile, if there are any readers out there that have had difficulties on the job while employed as an Interpreter in the healthcare industry, I would like to urge you to contact me at 617-880-9158 to help you determine if you have a case against your employer. If it is determined that you do, then you will be referred to legal counsel to be assisted with your claim.
In Massachusetts for instance if you feel that you were discriminated against by your employer you may file a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Once your claim is heard and it is determined that you were in fact discriminated against the MCAD will negotiate a remedy on your behalf. However, one always has the right to pursue their case with an attorney specializing in labor disputes. Just because one does not belong to a union does not mean you do not have rights or that someone can violate your rights.
Shortly, you will begin to see more information regarding federal and state agencies that may interest you, my readers, and provide you with valuable information with which all interpreter should be familair with. Regardless of whether you are self employed, full time, part time, or a per diem employee. it is important to understand the labors laws of your state and federal government. For now start with this federal website that covers all federal DOL statutes.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/lawsprog.htm
Meanwhile, if there are any readers out there that have had difficulties on the job while employed as an Interpreter in the healthcare industry, I would like to urge you to contact me at 617-880-9158 to help you determine if you have a case against your employer. If it is determined that you do, then you will be referred to legal counsel to be assisted with your claim.
12 July, 2013
The Need for Local/ Regional Interpreter Associations.
As Professional Medical Interpreters we understand that belonging to a professional organization has its merits. In fact, many employers in our industry require that interpreters belong to the IMIA, NCIHC, CCHIA, or other interpreter organization. Futhermore, employers are going so far as to include this as a requirement on its job descriptions used to hire interpreters, ( ie; Lahey Clinic ad for a staff interpreter ).
The difficulty I am finding is that these national organizations are great and provide opportunities for continued development and training, but most of the time the trainings are often too far away and far few between. Furthermore, the seminars offered aren't always what some of us need. Thus, we attend to attain a certificate of participation because we require it in order to maintain our national certification.
I believe that we can do better. Because many of us live too far away from some of the proposed conference sites, or don't always posses the financial means to attend costly conferences. We can addresss this situation by creating local or regional interpreter associations or organizations. This would provide us with local recognition and branding that we could then use to provide needed professional services and development close to home and work.
Futhermore, we could partner with the local colleges and other community health organizations. This is an opportunity to provide us a forum where we as professionals can share our knowledge with others. In addition, we can create opportunities for professional development in vital areas of learning. Finally, we can have our local professional educators provide low cost seminars that address our concerns and desired learning objectives or goals.
If you are interested in creating a local or regional state interpreter association you can contact me at 617-880-9158.
The difficulty I am finding is that these national organizations are great and provide opportunities for continued development and training, but most of the time the trainings are often too far away and far few between. Furthermore, the seminars offered aren't always what some of us need. Thus, we attend to attain a certificate of participation because we require it in order to maintain our national certification.
I believe that we can do better. Because many of us live too far away from some of the proposed conference sites, or don't always posses the financial means to attend costly conferences. We can addresss this situation by creating local or regional interpreter associations or organizations. This would provide us with local recognition and branding that we could then use to provide needed professional services and development close to home and work.
Futhermore, we could partner with the local colleges and other community health organizations. This is an opportunity to provide us a forum where we as professionals can share our knowledge with others. In addition, we can create opportunities for professional development in vital areas of learning. Finally, we can have our local professional educators provide low cost seminars that address our concerns and desired learning objectives or goals.
If you are interested in creating a local or regional state interpreter association you can contact me at 617-880-9158.
29 June, 2013
A Message in the Use of Technology While Interpreting
As we all know technology is an inevitable part of doing and performing business in this era of fast moving technological advances. Technology has invaded the interpreter world just as fast as it has in all other businesses. In fact, technology in the interpreting industry has gone as far as replacing some humans. Sound familiar? The survival of interpreters is dependent on their ability to adapt and learn how to use new techonolgy.
At a recent conference organized by the Unversity of Massachusetts Medical Center one of the courses being offered was titled " Using Technology". Of course, UMAS Medical Center is at the forefront of the nuances of our industry. The pricipal message of this course, which was led by a Stewart Healthcare employee, who's name I'll not mention as I did not get her permission to do so, was that interpreters today must not fear technology or fear being replaced by it. What interpreters must do today to continue to have success in this industry is embrace technology, learn to use it, and continue to diversify their experiencial portfolio in order to create multiple sources of income and increase their value to employers.
After sitting through an hour and a half of an interactive lecture I was pleased to hear that there are real visionaries in this industry who can articulate the message required to motivate interpreters young and mature to continue to develope their skills and not fear change. In management we call this kind of leader a change agent. Moreover, the lectureer can, in addition to holding this title, be classified as a transformational leader. Inspirational in her message and detailed in how to achieve success, while offering herself as an individual that one can contact at any time to discuss her vision in greater detail, she came across as an exceptional leader.
Well, Stewart has selected the right person to lead their Interpreter Services Departments in all of their Hospitals in New England. Her message is right on target and each interpreter in our industry should embrace it and run with it if they are to survive in our industry.
Futhermore, let me add that for 3 years I have been influential in attaining technological change in one hospital. It is here where the idea started and an Interpreter Services Coordinator close to me has actually been the behind the scenes change agent. This individual has for years been meeting with the states interpreter services focus group and sharing her own experiences with the institution of new technologies at the facility where she is employed. I won't mention her name either. However, she knows who she is. I thank her very much for embracing my efforts to modernize the way we as interpreters perform our duties day to day.
We have additional nuances to embrace and our future is bright. Interpreters, I would like to echo the message and add to it. Embrace the technology by becoming an efficient user of its functions. Learn what changes are occurring in our industry and get yourselves schooled on its uses immediately so that you can be part of the developement/implementation process. In other words "don't follow, lead!".
At a recent conference organized by the Unversity of Massachusetts Medical Center one of the courses being offered was titled " Using Technology". Of course, UMAS Medical Center is at the forefront of the nuances of our industry. The pricipal message of this course, which was led by a Stewart Healthcare employee, who's name I'll not mention as I did not get her permission to do so, was that interpreters today must not fear technology or fear being replaced by it. What interpreters must do today to continue to have success in this industry is embrace technology, learn to use it, and continue to diversify their experiencial portfolio in order to create multiple sources of income and increase their value to employers.
After sitting through an hour and a half of an interactive lecture I was pleased to hear that there are real visionaries in this industry who can articulate the message required to motivate interpreters young and mature to continue to develope their skills and not fear change. In management we call this kind of leader a change agent. Moreover, the lectureer can, in addition to holding this title, be classified as a transformational leader. Inspirational in her message and detailed in how to achieve success, while offering herself as an individual that one can contact at any time to discuss her vision in greater detail, she came across as an exceptional leader.
Well, Stewart has selected the right person to lead their Interpreter Services Departments in all of their Hospitals in New England. Her message is right on target and each interpreter in our industry should embrace it and run with it if they are to survive in our industry.
Futhermore, let me add that for 3 years I have been influential in attaining technological change in one hospital. It is here where the idea started and an Interpreter Services Coordinator close to me has actually been the behind the scenes change agent. This individual has for years been meeting with the states interpreter services focus group and sharing her own experiences with the institution of new technologies at the facility where she is employed. I won't mention her name either. However, she knows who she is. I thank her very much for embracing my efforts to modernize the way we as interpreters perform our duties day to day.
We have additional nuances to embrace and our future is bright. Interpreters, I would like to echo the message and add to it. Embrace the technology by becoming an efficient user of its functions. Learn what changes are occurring in our industry and get yourselves schooled on its uses immediately so that you can be part of the developement/implementation process. In other words "don't follow, lead!".
13 June, 2013
National Certification Preparation Seminar
On Saturday June 15 from 9:00am - 4:00pm there will be a National Interpreter Certification Exam preparation seminar. It will be held at Lawrence General Hospital, 1 General Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841.
I don't know if there is any room left. However, if you reside in the Boston area and are interested in participating you can contact Liz Laborne at 978-683-4000 ext. 2676. for more information.
Please accept my apologies for the late notice. Good Luck!
I don't know if there is any room left. However, if you reside in the Boston area and are interested in participating you can contact Liz Laborne at 978-683-4000 ext. 2676. for more information.
Please accept my apologies for the late notice. Good Luck!
10 June, 2013
Laws Requiring Interpreter Services and Interpreter Knowledge
Lately I've been researching the laws that require hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers to provide interpreter services for those patients who are limited English Proficient. I've heard of the Civil Rights Act, Title VI, of 1964, In Mass. Chapter 66, Emergency Room Interpreter Law, The Joint Commision Standards, Office of Minority Health, CLAS standards, and several more. However, in my opinion many interpreters can quote the already mentioned and several more depending on where they are in the country. However, do Interpreters really understand the specific requirements under each of the statutes? I believe not.
As an Interpreter who is nationally certified I am just now researching HHS documents pertinent to these statutes. In addition to HHS there is the website of the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, both, have an archive of documents that contain valuable information regarding some of the particular parts of these statutes and how it applies to patient rights, hospital reimbursment for interpretation and translation services, and much more. As interpreters we have a responsibilty to be familiar with the various laws. However, right now there aren't any trainings specifically addressing this topic.
My recommendation to Interpreters around the country is to visit these sites and gain additional knowledge regarding the statutes. Also, try to learn about reimbursment rates, and formulas prescribed, as it relates to the established rate that a hospital charges for procedures. Furthermore, knowing the specific responsibilities of providers under the law can be very valuable. This knowledge in particular can serve us in our responsibilities as advocates. So, if you are as curious as I, visit the link below and readup. The more we know the more effective we will be.
As an Interpreter who is nationally certified I am just now researching HHS documents pertinent to these statutes. In addition to HHS there is the website of the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, both, have an archive of documents that contain valuable information regarding some of the particular parts of these statutes and how it applies to patient rights, hospital reimbursment for interpretation and translation services, and much more. As interpreters we have a responsibilty to be familiar with the various laws. However, right now there aren't any trainings specifically addressing this topic.
My recommendation to Interpreters around the country is to visit these sites and gain additional knowledge regarding the statutes. Also, try to learn about reimbursment rates, and formulas prescribed, as it relates to the established rate that a hospital charges for procedures. Furthermore, knowing the specific responsibilities of providers under the law can be very valuable. This knowledge in particular can serve us in our responsibilities as advocates. So, if you are as curious as I, visit the link below and readup. The more we know the more effective we will be.
22 May, 2013
National Medical Interpreter Certification
National Medical Interpreter Certification will become the industry standard in coming years. Most hospitals in Massachusetts and around the country are starting to request that new hires have 60 to 70 hours of training and national certification.
I would like to encourage all interpreters reading this blog to go out and take the certification exam. In prevoius posts I specified a study strategy for interpreters preparing for the exam. I will take this one step further and offer my readers the opportunity to speak with me directly about national certification. My conversation with you is strickly professional and will include advise on how to prepare for the exam.
If you are interested in receiving my advise please contact me at 617-880-9158. please make sure that I can view who you are on my caller ID. Looking forward to answering your questions.
I would like to encourage all interpreters reading this blog to go out and take the certification exam. In prevoius posts I specified a study strategy for interpreters preparing for the exam. I will take this one step further and offer my readers the opportunity to speak with me directly about national certification. My conversation with you is strickly professional and will include advise on how to prepare for the exam.
If you are interested in receiving my advise please contact me at 617-880-9158. please make sure that I can view who you are on my caller ID. Looking forward to answering your questions.
08 May, 2013
Article (Sign Language Interpreting) Source "The Guardian"
Lack of British Sign Language interpreters putting deaf people at risk
Patients are unable to communicate with doctors and other public service professionals
Email
One deaf patient woke up from an operation still not fully understanding what was wrong with her. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
It is traumatic enough being rushed to hospital in an emergency, but what if you couldn't understand the doctors talking to you about what was wrong – and you woke up after an operation still not knowing the full story? That is what happened to profoundly deaf patient Elaine Duncan when she was admitted to Dundee's Ninewells hospital. Although British Sign Language is her first language, Duncan wasn't given access to a sign language interpreter at any point during her 12-day stay, which included surgery to remove her appendix. "I repeatedly pointed to an interpreter services poster on the wall, and I handed staff a BSL interpreter's card on two separate occasions, but I was left abandoned and ignored," she explains. "It was a terrifying experience, leaving me feeling scared and alone, like I was in prison."
Duncan's experience is one of many examples of deaf people being put at risk because they are not given the interpreters they need to communicate with doctors, police and other public sector professionals, says charity Signature, which campaigns to improve standards of communication for deaf and deafblind people. It says the problem is partly caused by a national shortage of BSL interpreters. Latest figures suggest there are 800 registered interpreters for 25,000 sign language users in the UK. But Signature chief executive Jim Edwards says there is also an attitude problem among public service professionals, who expect deaf people to be able to lip-read or to use the written word. "For a deaf person, that won't be their first language, and they won't always follow it," he says. "Sometimes they might have a member of their family there, but their sign language may be limited – and is it appropriate that they should be interpreting when they may be distressed themselves? You need someone independent and professionally trained."
Equality legislation requires "reasonable steps" to be taken to ensure deaf people are not at a "substantial disadvantage". But Signature is urging the government to make the provision of regulated BSL interpreters a legal requirement across the public sector. Edwards says the Francis report into the Mid Staffordshire hospital scandal – which recommended regulation for all those who directly care for patients – provides added impetus. "In the future, if you're a sign language user, the doctor treating you will have to be regulated, but the person affecting your communication – where it really can all go wrong – won't have to be," he points out.
Duncan's case was taken to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, which upheld her complaint. NHS Tayside says it has since improved its procedures. But Alana Trusty, manager of the Deaf Links advocacy service, which supported Duncan with her case, says: "This is happening all the time, across all types of service provision. If you were in hospital in France, would you be able to read a consent form or understand someone speaking French at your bedside? That's what it's like for deaf people."
07 May, 2013
Employment in MA.
Here is one Interpreter position in Holyoke and a Medical Assistant position in Lawrence, MA
2 new jobs found
Medical Interpreting Certificate, International Medical Interpreters Association membership preferred;. Position available for experienced bilingual/bicultural...
Certified in CPR. Must be fluent in both spoken and written English. Works collaboratively with all members of the interdisciplinary care team to ensure that...
All rights reserved 2013
|
06 May, 2013
Massachusetts Colleges Offering Interpreter and Translation Courses
The following colleges in Massachusetts are currently offering interpreter and translation training. Click on the following links for more information. As I said in a prior post I will make as much information as I can available for those individuals eager to become interpreters/translators.
All rights resaerved 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)