An Act Increasing The Availability Of Licensed Medical Interpreters For Limited English Proficiency Patients.
The proposed changes would amend section 19a-490i of the general statutes, establishing a legal obligation for hospitals to facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients who do not speak English as their primary language. Hospital compliance would likely lead to better patient satisfaction and reduced risks of miscommunication that could result in adverse health events. The inclusion of medical interpreters can support improved healthcare access and equity, particularly for those historically marginalized in the healthcare system due to language barriers.
House Bill 05894 aims to enhance the availability of licensed medical interpreters for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in Connecticut's acute-care hospitals. The bill stipulates that hospitals with a demographic in their service area where at least five percent of the population speaks a primary language other than English must provide on-site interpreters. This requirement reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible healthcare services for LEP communities, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder the delivery of vital medical care. By mandating these services, the bill seeks to improve health outcomes and patient experience for non-English speaking individuals.
While the bill has strong support for its intentions to improve healthcare access, there are potential points of contention regarding the implementation and associated costs. Critics may raise concerns about the financial burden on hospitals, especially smaller facilities that might struggle to meet the requirements under the new law. Additionally, there may be discussions around the qualifications for interpreters and the training necessary to ensure they meet professional standards, addressing concerns about interpreter accuracy and the handling of sensitive health information.