32 million people (13.8 %) of the U.S. population speak a language other than English at home; consequently, many of them either have difficulties communicating in English or feel more comfortable doing so in their native language.

It is the law:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal Law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in all programs that receive Federal Financial Assistance.
• Executive Order 13166 of 2000, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” continued this protection.
• The law applies to all entities receiving any federal funding, directly or indirectly, through a sub-grant or sub-contract. Covered entities include: all facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid, hospitals, physician offices, community and migrant health centers who receive federal grants, social service agencies, and mental health services.

What are the responsibilities for institutions serving LEP (Limited English Proficient) clients?

• Title VI requires linguistic accessibility to health and human services.
• The U.S. Office for Civil Rights’ requirements are:
• offer interpretation services at no cost to LEP clients
• inform clients of their right to receive interpretation services
• avoid asking family and friends of LEP patients to provide interpretive service
• minors should not interpret

• trained
• experienced
• proficient in both English and another language
• knowledgeable of both cultures
• in compliance with an Interpreter Code of Ethics ensuring exceptional care to providers and LEP clients