RT Journal
A1 Regenstein M, Andres E, Wynia MK
T1 APpropriate use of non–english-language skills in clinical care
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2013
FD January 9
VO 309
IS 2
SP 145
OP 146
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.116984
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.116984
AB 
An estimated 25 million US residents have limited English proficiency (LEP)1 and in a 2006 national survey of 2022 internists, 54% reported encountering patients with LEP at least weekly, with many seeing LEP patients every day.2 Legal guidance related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires that physicians and hospitals take reasonable steps to ensure effective communication with these patients. Hence, when a patient with LEP presents for care, the encounter must either be conducted with a clinician who speaks the patient's language or indirectly through a trained interpreter. Untrained interpreters, such as patients' friends or family members, are sometimes used, although this practice is risky for reasons of competence and confidentiality.