According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the non-English speaking population grew 140 percent between 1980 and 2010.

The dramatic growth of non-English speaking persons in the U.S. highlights the need for trained medical interpreters who can provide language services in compliance with federal law.

Dr. Anarella Cellitti, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock faculty member, says it is just as important to protect the rights of non-English speaking hospital patients as for those involved in legal proceedings.

“Our legal system provides certified court and legal interpreters to assist witnesses, plaintiffs or defendants,” Cellitti said. “Medical patients deserve the same access.”

Cellitti is the education vice-chair for the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA), an organization of more than 2,100 members focused on equitable care for minority patients around the world that promotes language access as a human right.

Cellitti is helping bring the IMIA Tri-Symposia to the UALR campus Oct. 3-5.

The three-day symposium is for medical interpreters and all persons interested in interpreter education, as well as those interested in professional certification.

Appropriate language services help prevent costly malpractice lawsuits, health-related loss of revenue, and negative health outcomes, according to Cellitti, who stated that the safety and protection of both healthcare providers and patients is at stake.

“The certified medical interpreter not only helps to ensure appropriate healthcare, but also compliance with Title VI and the new Joint Commission Standards,” she said.

“Every member of the healthcare team must be a trusted professional. A certified medical interpreter is essential for the provider to communicate with his or her patient in order to ensure good outcomes,” Cellitti added.

For more information about the upcoming symposium or certification, contact Cellitti at macellitti@ualr.edu or Chris Williams at 703.389.7466 or cwill4898@hotmail.com.

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