4107.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 1:12 PM

Abstract #15510

Professional standards for medical interpreters:The Minnesota model

Patricia Ohmans, Community Health Consultants, Health Advocates, 843 Van Buren Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104, 651-489-4238, pohmans@tc.umn.edu and Jose Gonzalez, MSW, Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

High quality, accurate language interpreting for patients who speak limited English is a hallmark of culturally competent health care. This presentation reviews the ten standards of professional competence and ethics endorsed by the Minnesota Association for Interpreting. A curriculum for training medical interpreters will be discussed. Presenters will also review efforts to ratify these standards, both in theory and practice in state health care facilities and agencies serving limited-English speakers.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to describe one state's efforts to improve health care access for those with limited English skills; and list standards for competence and professional ethics endorsed by the Minnesota Association for Interpreting

Keywords: Cultural Competency,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Minnesota Association for Interpreting
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Health Advocates currently serves as pro-bono coordinator of the Minnesota Association for Interpreting

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA