Misplaced in Translation: Interpreter Cutbacks Might Put Affected person Lives on the Line

LISTEN: Federal legislation entitles sufferers to interpreters in the event that they don’t have a powerful grasp of English. KFF Well being Information correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez appeared on WAMU’s “Well being Hub” on July 9 to clarify why some Trump administration insurance policies are leaving sufferers fearful to ask for language providers.

Sufferers want to speak clearly with their well being care supplier. However that’s getting harder for these within the U.S. who don’t converse English.

Price range cuts by the Trump administration have left some suppliers scrambling to maintain certified medical interpreters. And an govt order designating English the official language of the USA has created confusion amongst suppliers about what providers needs to be supplied.

Sufferers who don’t converse English are left afraid, and maybe in danger for medical errors. What occurs when those that need assistance are too frightened to ask?

In WAMU’s July 9 “Well being Hub” section, KFF Well being Information correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez defined why well being advocates fear these adjustments might result in worse affected person outcomes.

KFF Well being Information is a nationwide newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about well being points and is likely one of the core working packages at KFF—an impartial supply of well being coverage analysis, polling, and journalism. Study extra about KFF.