fective communication include “qualified interpreters, note takers, computer-aided transcription services, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening systems, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decod- ers, open and closed captioning, tele- communications devices for deaf per- sons, videotext displays, and exchange of written notes “ If an interpreter is necessary, the
law says the physician is responsible for paying for an interpreter and may not charge a person with a disability direct- ly or indirectly to offset the cost of the interpreter.
Hearing-impaired interpreter services
A medical practice can choose from a wide range of methods to ensure effec- tive communication with hearing-im- paired patients. For example, the DOJ technical assistance manual says ex- changing notes and using hand gestures at a routine checkup with a patient who is deaf may provide an appropriate ac- commodation. Should the patient suffer a complex ailment, however, a qualified interpreter may be needed to ensure ef- fective communication with the patient. DOJ defines a qualified interpreter as someone “who is able to interpret effec- tively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.” According to TMA’s white paper, the government does not consider the abil- ity to sign to be the same as the abil- ity to interpret sign language. An office worker who can sign but lacks the skill to process spoken communication into the proper signs, and vice versa, will not meet the qualified interpreter mandate. Allowing a patient’s family mem- ber to interpret isn’t illegal but can be risky. Family members may be hesitant to disclose some medical information, and that may hinder the free-flowing ex- change of important personal informa- tion between the patient and physician, Ms. Soto says. Plus, impartiality is one of the elements necessary for an interpreter to be considered “qualified.”
When considering whether to use a patient’s family member as an inter-
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