The essence of globalization has in the recent time prompted new challenges in all professional disciplines. Despite the fact that the earth is one, humanity speaks differently exhibiting a common culture of the ancestral origin. Medical practice has vastly been affected by language indifference prompting a redefinition of profession operation in the element of language barrier. This has paved way to the establishment a code of ethics that govern professional medical language. The interpretation process is achieved though codes that are conclusively arguable in the note of what ought to be adopted as the best applicable practice.
Based on the practice modality, there are a number of people who needs care when medical services come into limelight. Comparing the people who use sign language and those who have limited English Proficiency, it is noted that their ways of approach slightly differ. A professional who well comprehends both the sign language and the medical terminology is needed when dealing with people who only understand sign language. On the other hand, those with limited proficiency in speaking English need assistance in understanding the complex potion of the professionalism. Using family members as interpreters has too witnessed some difficulty especially when it comes to matters of confidentiality and human dignity.
An interpreter needs to ensure that all their clients enjoy civil liberties contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These rights recognize the fundamental rights of every Federal Government citizen to quality health care. English linguists also fall in this set thereby commanding much attention in respect to competence of the interpreter in the entire medical process. In order to achieve the best returns, high level of proficiency greatly upholds. Besides certification as a qualified medical interpreter practitioner, the interpreter needs to be thorough with medical terminologies and the language of interpretation. There are vast standardized methods that guide the medical language interpretation profession. The interpretation field is characterized with a lot of demands and liabilities in case of negligence. The interpretation code of ethics demands that in addition to the professional expertise, the meaning from any interpreter should not be altered even in whatever manner.
Any health care organization is mandated to provide quality health care despite the linguistic barrier. This is based on the medical provisions in the Federal Legislation that needs all health facilities accessible to the Federal financing not to be discriminated on any basis. In contrary to these codes, the medical practitioner would be considered to have undermined humanity (Title V of the CRA-1964 and CLAS). CLAS is an acronym for culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services. In the medical sector, CLAS has established standards which include maintenance of patient’s privacy as outlined in medical code of ethics. This is due to the inclusion of a third party; the interpreter as well as other parties involved in the process. Also the right of the patient to access language assistance at no cost is provided for including all the materials the patient needs.
In medical practicing, upon coming across situations similar to this of Diane Mathis, then as a law abiding citizen and one who upholds codes of ethics that govern medical practice, one should endeavor to ensure that the institution have an updated interpreter’s department that has inclusion of well structured policies. These policies would cater for the emergence of small communities without pushing through the roof costs of running the health care facility.
References
Lieb, B. (2004). World Class Standards Achieving: NY, Diane Publishers Company.
Claudia, V. (2004). Medical interpretation: New York, Cambridge Uni. Press.
Brunk, D. (2005). Language barrier tackled by Medical council: US, International Medical Group publishers.
