Language Access Services
Northern Inyo Healthcare District is committed to addressing the language
or communication needs of its patients experiencing barriers for equal
access to health care services, not limited to any particular racial,
ethnic, and linguistic population group. Through its Language Access Services
Department, NIHD ensures limited English-speaking patients have meaningful
and equal access to all hospital services.
The Language Access Services Program utilizes the expertise of the District’s:
- Approved bilingual workforce
- Qualified medical interpreters
- Nationally Certified Healthcare Interpreters
- Professional translation services
Additionally, the District contracts with over-the-phone interpreting, and video remote interpreting service providers. These contracted services are available 24-hours, seven days a week; American Sign Language interpreting is available on-demand through video remote interpreting.
Therefore, the Program encompasses direct services in the patient’s
language, in-person, over-the-phone and video remote interpreting services
for spoken languages and American Sign Language; and written translation
of Vital Documents, Significant Communication, and Significant Publications.
Interpreters at Northern Inyo Healthcare District are committed to supporting
the delivery of culturally, and linguistically competent health care services.
Interpreting in medical settings requires proper language skills, and specialized training. NIHD interpreters are subject to high standards of practice. They are trained on, and follow the California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters, set forth by the California Healthcare Interpreting Association; the National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care, set forth by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care; as well as abiding by the District’s confidentiality policies and regulations.
Important Forms: