U.S. Language Access Compliance Map for Healthcare Organizations
A tiered overview of the federal authorities that require U.S. healthcare organizations to provide language access for patients with limited English proficiency: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Executive Order 13166, the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, CMS Conditions of Participation, and Joint Commission standards.
HEALTHCARE LANGUAGE ACCESS
U.S. Language Access Compliance Map
The federal authorities that require U.S. healthcare organizations to provide language access
(translation and interpretation) for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).
1
FOUNDATION
· Why language access is legally required
Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
THE LEGAL FOUNDATION
Bars national-origin discrimination in any federally funded program. Long interpreted to require
language access, and it reaches nearly any provider that accepts Medicare or Medicaid.
2
FEDERAL MANDATE
· What you are required to do
PRIMARY REQUIREMENT
Section 1557 of the ACA
The core rule. Reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access:
• Qualified interpreters
• Translated vital documents
• A written Language Access Plan
• Posted nondiscrimination notices
Executive Order 13166
ENFORCEMENT LENS
Tells federally funded providers
to improve LEP access, and
guides Title VI enforcement.
3
ACCESSIBILITY
· Communication access on the basis of disability
ADA & Rehabilitation Act, Section 504
DISABILITY ACCESS
Requires effective communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients: sign language
interpretation plus accessible formats such as Braille, large print, and audio.
4
FUNDING & ACCREDITATION
· What reinforces compliance in practice
CMS Conditions of Participation
MEDICARE & MEDICAID
Ties language access to Medicare and
Medicaid reimbursement. Gaps risk funding.
The Joint Commission
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
Builds language access into hospital
accreditation standards.
thetranslationcompany.com