Language Access

Law, policy, and practice: resources and organizations addressing the needs of refugees with limited English skills and the impact of language barriers on refugee health issues.

• National Health Law Program: Resource Library
  Browse the numerous folders for seminal documents related to language access.
  
  
• Limited English Proficiency
  Department of Health and Human Services resources on limited English proficiency, including Policy Guidance on the Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination As It Affects Persons with Limited English Proficiency.
  
  
• Minnesota Statutes on Interpreter Services:
  • M.S. 256L.03 Covers interpreter services for MnCare.
  • M.S. 15.441 Requires state agencies to provide interpreters when it renders assistant to the public.
  • M.S.256B.0625, subd. 18a Medicaid covers interpreter services.
  • M.S. 144.058 Interpreter Services Quality Initiative requires the Commissioner of Health to establish a voluntary statewide Interpreter Roster: Spoken Language, Health Care.
    
    
• National CLAS Standards
  A description of the 15 National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (National CLAS Standards) to guide individuals and organizations in delivering culturally competent care.
  
  
• A Patient-Centered Guide to Implementing Language Access Services in Healthcare Organizations (PDF)
  Office of Minority Health guide designed to help health care organizations implement effective language access services to meet the needs of limited English proficient patients.
  
  
• Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association
  A chapter of the American Translators Association. UMTIA's mission is to promote quality and professionalism in the field of translating and interpreting in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.