Limited English Proficiency in Utah: The process of policy change to certify medical interpreters

Issues: Many people throughout the United States face language barriers that inhibit their access to quality medical care. Some immigrants, refugees, and other foreign and native-born residents have limited English proficiency (LEP) and often receive inferior medical care due to the inability to communicate effectively in a health care setting. In many states, there are currently no enforced standards or regulations in place to guarantee proper language assistance to LEP patients. Description: In Utah, this problem has been addressed by taking steps toward the standardization and certification of medical interpreters to ensure access to quality patient care for all. MPH students were actively involved in bringing about this policy change at the state level. They 1)developed a comprehensive policy analysis that was provided to the sponsoring representative, 2)sought legislative change by advocating in conjunction with local non-profit organizations who represent the immigrant community, 3)discussed the issue with the 2009 Utah House Health and Human Services committee chair, 4)were involved in the committee that wrote Utah HB 144 (legislation creating a statewide certification process for medical interpreters), and 5)testified before both the House and Senate HHS committees in support of the change. HB 144 was signed into law in the spring of 2009. Lessons Learned: Timely, low-cost, and sustainable solutions can be found through small steps taken by normal citizens. Recommendations: To create policy change, 1) collaboration between interested parties, 2) a cost benefit analysis, and 3) framing issues to match the political climate are necessary.