LAUSR

Over 25 million Americans have limited English proficiency (LEP) and are particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes due to language barriers. Professional interpreter use is associated with improved clinical care for patients with LEP. By contrast, the use of untrained interpreters puts patients and providers at risk for communication errors and may jeopardize patient safety. In 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services’ released the enhanced National Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate Service (CLAS) Standards which mandate that all healthcare organizations that receive federal funding provide language assistance from trained interpreters and translated vital documents. Real-world provision of these services in the ambulatory setting is unknown. We used national survey data to assess physician-reported use of professional interpreters in US ambulatory care practices and to compare differences between health care organizations and solo and group practices, which are exempt from CLAS standards.