ORS 413.552: Legislative findings and policy on health care interpreters.

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds that persons with limited English proficiency, or who communicate in signed language, are often unable to interact effectively with health care providers. Because of language differences, persons with limited English proficiency, or who communicate in signed language, are often excluded from health care services, experience delays or denials of health care services or receive health care services based on inaccurate or incomplete information. (2) The Legislative Assembly further finds that the lack of competent health care interpreters among health care providers impedes the free flow of communication between the health care provider and patient, negatively impacting health outcomes and preventing clear and accurate communication and the development of empathy, confidence and mutual trust that is essential for an effective relationship between health care provider and patient. (3) It is the policy of the Legislative Assembly to require working with certified health care interpreters or qualified health care interpreters to ensure the accurate and adequate provision of health care to persons with limited English proficiency and to persons who communicate in signed language. (4) It is the policy of the Legislative Assembly that health care for persons with limited English proficiency be provided according to the guidelines established under the policy statement issued August 30, 2000, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, entitled, “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Policy Guidance on the Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination As It Affects Persons With Limited English Proficiency,” and the 1978 Patient’s Bill of Rights. [Formerly 409.617; 2015 c.318 §2; 2021 c.453 §9]