Interpreter services information for healthcare facilities

Learn about Language Needs Assessments, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and download posters for your healthcare facility.

Guide to Language Needs Assessments

The Language Needs Assessments tool is a support for hospital based Interpreter Services to conduct the required Language Needs Assessment. This manual addresses the LNA process and content and provides a standardized format as hospitals assess their need for interpreter services, identify emerging languages, and develop strategies for outreach to the institution's respective service communities.

See both PDF and accessible document downloads below:

• Guideline for Implement of DoN Standard Conditions and Language Access and CLAS (PDF) 
• Guideline for Implement of DoN Standard Conditions and Language Access and CLAS (DOCX)

Office for Civil Rights policy guidance

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against national origin as it affects people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). To inform clients of their right and recipient agencies of federal funding of their responsibilities, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice issued two brochures. Both brochures are included below. Please share these with staff and clients.

Find more information about LEP.

Interpreter service posters

To help make health care more accessible, we created interpreter materials for hospitals. These posters explain patients' right to an interpreter in many languages.