Language Line Services' - Cross-Cultural Update for October 2009

Useful Cultural News, Tips and Timely Information

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Health Care Reform Not Just About Access, Quality Must Be A Factor:  According to a report issued this month by the Migration Policy Institute, entitled Immigrants and Health Care Reform: What's Really at Stake?, there are about 38 million immigrants in the United States, which are evenly divided among three groups – naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, and unauthorized immigrants. The report outlines the impact of various health care reform measures on these distinct groups. But what is not discussed is the ongoing debate concerning reimbursement for language services. This issue goes beyond that of access to address the quality and cost of health care being delivered to the millions of limited-English speaking patients, the majority of whom are in the United States legally. A representative of Language Line Services is available to discuss the important role language access can play in health care reform. For more information, contact Shawn Yanan at 305.962.1768 or shawn.yanan@rbbpr.com.

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Certification of Interpreters Becomes a Legal Matter: It was the second day of a capital murder trial in Jefferson County Alabama when the presiding judge realized that the Spanish court interpreter hired for the case had misinterpreted several key pieces of testimony. The judge was forced to declare a mistrial. This all too common scenario prompted Alabama to join the 39 other states that have begun offering certification for court interpreters. While the voluntary program initiated this month by Alabama is a great first step, it does not guarantee that defendants and plaintiffs needing language assistance will get a fair trial. Language Line Services, a leading interpretation and translation services company with one of the industry’s most recognized court certification programs, has long advocated for states to have a mandated certification standard for interpreters working within the judicial system. If this is a topic you’d like to explore, a Language Line Services executive is available to discuss certification for court interpreters and the pitfalls for court systems that don’t require a minimum standard. Contact Jeanine Karp at 305.448.3754 or jeanine.karp@rbbpr.com for more information or to arrange interviews.

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Census Bureau to Local Communities: “We Speak Your Language”: With the launch of the 2010 census less than six months away, the U.S. Census Bureau is preparing its most targeted and far-reaching language outreach yet to more accurately count the country's immigrants. Along with a 10-question form in English, postcards in five other languages — Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Russian and Spanish — will point users to a Web site in their language. Assistance guides in many other languages, designed to walk a respondent through the English forms, will be distributed through places such as barber shops and supermarkets, or delivered door-to-door. Over-the-phone help will be offered in up to 59 languages.  According to Census Director Robert Groves, the agency is working to customize the experience by using native languages that make it easier for people to participate.  Other government agencies and the private sector can take a cue from the Census Bureau’s efforts to reach more people. As a provider of language services to many federal agencies, Language Line Services helps its clients understand how to best communicate in writing while overcoming language and cultural barriers through its Document Translation service. Language Line helps guide organizations to determine which documents should be translated, and in how many languages.  In addition, Language Line can also help local communities identify which language translation needs are most relevant to each geographic area through its demographics tracking service LanguageTrak®.  For more information on the regional push for in-language Census outreach, or on how communities and businesses can more effectively target and communicate with these groups, contact Chris de la Huerta at 305.448-7535 or christine.delahuerta@rbbpr.com. 

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National Certification for Medical Interpreters Launches: Health care providers have a new ally in the effort to protect patient safety for non-English speaking patients, the Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI). The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters announced this month the launch of the National Certification for Medical Interpreters, the first national standard for professional interpreters working in the medical field. According to the National Board, the CMI designation will first be available to Spanish language interpreters, with national certification rolling out for several other languages in 2010. Many in the health care industry believe the establishment of a national certification is a critical step in the goal of securing reimbursement for language access services, which is currently an unfunded federal mandate. Interviews are available with founders of the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters to discuss this significant step forward in overcoming health care disparities. Contact Shawn Yanan at 305.962.1768 or shawn.yanan@rbbpr.com for more information.

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ABOUT LANGUAGE LINE SERVICES
Language Line Services, the world’s leading provider of language-based services, is a trusted partner to thousands of organizations whose focus is to effectively serve the rapidly expanding market of limited English speakers. The company delivers a dynamic suite of solutions spanning translation, transcription, phone and video interpretation, interpreter certification, localization and localized software and devices, enabling clients to communicate with customers in their preferred language. Through its leading-edge technology infrastructure, Language Line Services provides support for more than 170 languages to its industry-leading portfolio of clients across markets including health care, financial services, government, telecom, manufacturing, insurance, entertainment, travel, and more. For information on how Language Line Services is helping clients achieve their strategic multicultural marketing and regulatory compliance objectives, please call 1-800-752-6096.