Limited English Proficiency Requirements

VII. Key Issues: Regulation & Reform >> B. Health Care Regulation >> Health Facilities Regulation >> Limited English Proficiency Requirements

Nearly 14% of American families are non-English speakers in their homes. The need for bilingual services for immigrants with limited English proficiency continues to intensify as immigration into the United States is steadily rising. Many of these new immigrants either have limited English language skills, are uninsured, or both. The language barrier between patient and health care provider presents significant problems, as trained medical interpreters that could facilitate communication and informed consent between physician and patient, are often unavailable. The Duke Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research has developed a draft working paper assessing the costs and benefits of LEP (limited English proficiency) requirements (pdf)