Offering Interpreter Services
2024
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Quick Tips for the Dental Office
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Offering Interpreter Services
Americans with Disabilities Act( AwDA)
The AwDA requires that a dentist retain and pay for the services of an interpreter, if an interpreter is needed to achieve effective communication with a patient. In some instances, patients may provide their own interpreter, such as a family member or an interpreter that is with the patient on a daily basis. However, if a patient does not provide their own interpreter, it is the dentist’ s responsibility to provide one for the patient. There are other appropriate methods that can be used to achieve effective communication with a patient, including listening devices, note taking and written materials.
The AwDA does not require any aid that would result in an undue financial burden or in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the services provided by the dentist; however, this does not relieve the dentist from the duty to provide alternate aid for hearing impaired or other special needs patients. Dentists need to assess a patient’ s needs on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate method of communication to be used.
Section 1557
A dental practice may also be required to provide interpreter or translator services if they are covered under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which protects individuals from discrimination in health care on the basis or race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. A dental practice must comply with Section 1557 if it receives certain government funds including:
• Reimbursements under Medicaid or CHIP
• Reimbursement under Medicare Advantage plans( Medicare Part C)
•“ Meaningful Use” payments
“ Meaningful Use” payments are received through the Medicaid Electronic Health Record( EHR) Incentive Program, which provides incentive payments to eligible professionals to adopt, implement, upgrade or“ meaningfully use” EHR technology.
Covered dental practices are required to take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with individuals with limited English proficiency( who are likely to be encountered) or disabilities are as effective as communications with others. This includes the use of qualified interpreters and translators when necessary.
2024