Diversity Rx: Models: Interpreter Practice:Ethics

As with the rest of DiversityRx, this section is a work in progress and we welcome information on other efforts, programs, and reports that will expand upon the information offered here. Please let us know if you have other examples to include here.

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Copyright © 2003, DiversityRx; www.diversityRx.org, Last update: Tuesday, March 25, 2003

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The National Conference of State Legislatures

Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care

Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation



Overview

Bilingual Interpreter Services

Interpreter Practice

Interpreter Associations

Research and Reports

Interpreters shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential.
Interpreters shall use discretion in accepting assignments with regards to skills and setting.
Interpreters may refrain from interpreting for patients in instances where family, close personal or professional relationships may affect impartiality.
Interpreters shall render faithful interpretation always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker.
Interpreters shall use the language mode most readily understood by the person for whom they are interpreting.
Interpreters shall explain cultural differences or practices to health care providers and patients when appropriate.
Interpreters shall communicate any special needs of the patient to the provider.
Interpreters shall maintain an impartial attitude with patients, their families and hospital staff.
Interpreters shall keep a low profile remembering that they are not carrying on an independent conversation, but rather expressing the comments of others.
Interpreters shall not counsel, advise or interject personal opinions.
Interpreters shall accept the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of their profession and improving their competency to achieve the highest standards.

*Note: This code of ethics is no longer used by Boston Medical Center (formerly Boston City Hospital), which has now adopted the MMIA Code of Ethics.

Interpreter Practice


A. Role And Practice Issues: Overview

B. Competency Assessment

C. Ethics: Overview

	1. Codes of Ethics

		Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

		Massachusetts Medical Interpreters Association (MMIA)

		American Medical Interpreters Translators Association (AMITAS)

		Boston Area Health Education Center

	2. Research Summary: "Communication through Interpreters in Healthcare: Ethical Dilemmas Arising from Differences in Class, Culture, Language, and Power"