Lost in Translation: Interpreter Cutbacks Could Put Patient Lives on the Line
Listen: Federal law authorizes patients to interpreters if they do not have a strong understanding of English. KFF Health News correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez appeared on Wamu’s “hub” on July 9 to explain why certain Trump administration policies leave patients for asking linguistic services.
Patients should clearly communicate with their health care provider. But it becomes more difficult for the United States that does not speak English.
Budget cuts by the Trump administration have let some suppliers rush to keep the medical interpreters qualified. And a decree designating English The official language of the United States has created confusion between service providers on services that should be offered.
Patients who do not speak English are afraid and perhaps at risk of medical errors. What happens when those who need help are too afraid to ask?
In the Wamu “Hub Hub” segment on July 9, KFF Health News correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez, explained why health defenders fear that these changes can lead to results for lower patients.
Kff Health News is a national editorial hall that produces in -depth journalism on health problems and is one of the main KFF operating programs – an independent source of independent research, survey and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
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