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Open Access 01-11-2007 | Commentary

The Legal Framework for Language Access in Healthcare Settings: Title VI and Beyond

Authors: Alice Hm Chen, MD, MPH, Mara K. Youdelman, JD, LLM, Jamie Brooks, JD

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Special Issue 2/2007

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the number and diversity of limited English speakers in the USA has burgeoned. With this increased diversity has come increased pressure—including new legal requirements—on healthcare systems and clinicians to ensure equal treatment of limited English speakers. Healthcare providers are often unclear about their legal obligations to provide language services. In this article, we describe the federal mandates for language rights in health care, provide a broad overview of existing state laws and describe recent legal developments in addressing language barriers. We conclude with an analysis of key policy initiatives that would substantively improve health care for LEP patients.

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Title: The Legal Framework for Language Access in Healthcare Settings: Title VI and Beyond
Authors: Alice Hm Chen, MD, MPH
Mara K. Youdelman, JD, LLM
Jamie Brooks, JD
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue Special Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-007-0366-2

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