Is there a law that requires provision of interpreters?

Yes. The following are key laws and policy guidance concerning provision of services to people with limited English proficiency (LEP):

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

HHS Policy Guidance on the Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination as it Affects Persons With Limited English Proficiency DOJ Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Standards for Health Care Executive Order 13166 Strategic Plan to Improve Access to HHS Programs and Activities by Limited English Proficiency Persons For an explanation of these federal laws and policies, see NHeLP’s publication, Language Services Action Kit (2004).

For an explanation of federal laws concerning language access and examples from the field in video format, see the LEP Video, Breaking Down the Language Barrier: Translating Limited English Proficiency Policy into Practice, which can be ordered through www.lep.gov

For a more comprehensive explanation of language access responsibilities under federal and state law, as well as in the private sector, and recommendations for addressing identified problems, see NHeLP’s Ensuring Linguistic Access in Health Care Settings: Legal Rights & Responsibilities (2nd edition, August 2003). $100.00 ($65.00 for nonprofit advocacy organizations). To order, go to www.healthlaw.org