HIPAA and Medical Interpreters: What Healthcare Organizations Should Know
Medical interpreters routinely encounter protected health information. Learn how HIPAA can apply to interpreter arrangements, confidentiality, outside language-service vendors, and patient privacy workflows.
Medical Interpreters May Hear Protected Health Information
Interpreters often participate in conversations involving diagnoses, test results, medications, procedures, treatment plans, insurance information, and other protected health information. Healthcare organizations should therefore include interpreter services in their privacy and security workflows.
Does HIPAA Require a Separate Patient Authorization?
HHS explains that a covered healthcare provider generally does not need a separate patient authorization simply to share information with an interpreter when the disclosure is permitted for treatment or healthcare operations and the interpreter arrangement satisfies HIPAA requirements.
Workforce Interpreters and Outside Vendors
An interpreter who is part of the covered entity's workforce is handled differently from an outside language-service company. HHS guidance explains that an outside interpreter service may be a business associate, and an ongoing vendor relationship should be structured to meet applicable business-associate requirements.
Practical Privacy Safeguards
Healthcare organizations should define confidentiality expectations, control access to patient information, use secure communication methods, train staff on interpreter workflows, and make sure vendors understand their privacy responsibilities. Remote interpretation should also be integrated into the organization's technology and privacy controls.
HIPAA Is Only Part of the Picture
Healthcare language access can also involve Title VI, Section 1557, the ADA, Section 504, state law, accreditation standards, and organizational policy. This article provides general information and is not legal advice; organizations should consult their compliance or legal professionals for their specific obligations.
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