Interview with Loren Farr for the National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum #languageline #imianews May 2, 2012
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in Interpretation, Langage Line Services, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification.Tags: Interpretation, Medical Certification, National Medical Certification
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Global Leaders to Address Language Access at the 6th Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Open Forum in Tulsa, Oklahoma March 9, 2012
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in IMIA, Interpretation, Interpreters, Langage Line Services, Language Line University, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: Certified Medic, IMIA, Language Access, language line services, Language Training, Medical Interpretation, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum
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Global Leaders to Address Language Access at the 6th Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Open Forum in Tulsa, Oklahoma
National and International Representatives to collaborate on improving language access and patient safety
TULSA, Okla., March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Leaders, advocates and other stakeholders in the medical interpreting industry will travel across the globe to convene on Monday, April 30, 2012, in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the 6th Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum. The event, which is a no-fee forum open to all hospitals, government agencies, interpreters and other stakeholders, will include guest speakers and discussions that address the advancement of national certification, best practices in the profession and perspectives from industry leaders. Attendees will share advocacy updates, status of educational programs and new opportunities for involvement in shaping the future of medical interpreting.
“This annual event has raised the level of awareness to this issue considerably. However, we must continue to expand our efforts so that every stakeholder in healthcare understands how important error-free communication is to avoid negative health outcomes to a vulnerable population,” said Izabel Arocha, Executive Director of the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA). “This forum spotlights the importance and need for all healthcare institutions to adopt national certification and other best practices quickly so medical professionals and institutions are not held liable.”
Medical interpreters raised the previous testing standard in the field by developing exams that are scientifically validated by psychometricians, and therefore are legally defensible. Available today in Spanish, The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (National Board) is completing the work to expand the oral exam this year into Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
“Expanding to six languages and applying for NCCA Accreditation has been the focus of the National Board. We will continue to work day and night so all interpreters can be tested and so all patients and providers can be assured of competency for accurate communication in vital health encounters,” said Rita Weil, Chair of the National Board.
Key speaker Louis F. Provenzano, Jr., President and CEO of Monterey, California-based Language Line Services, launched the National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum in 2007 when his organization invited national leaders in the field of medical interpreting to join forces and work toward national certification. The annual forum is now an industry staple, with more than a hundred stakeholders attending the event every year.
“As the largest provider of medical interpreters and language access services to health care providers, Language Line Services recognizes the responsibility of organizations such as ours to provide the support for hospitals and collaborative opportunity for the field as a vital process of the mission for elevating effective communication in patient-centered care, an initiative at the top of this year’s national agenda,” Provenzano said. “Our continued efforts are a reflection of our genuine commitment to this mission.”
The annual event creates an inclusive, transparent and collaborative process that crosses state lines and industry sectors. It brings together representatives of various state and national interpreter associations, interpreters and interpretation service providers, advocates and policy makers, state officials, educators, trainers, hospitals and healthcare organizations, as well as international stakeholders who are watching the U.S. medical interpreter profession’s progress toward national certification as the new qualifying standard for medical interpreters.
This year’s forum will take place at the Mayo Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the heart of downtown Tulsa. Among invited and confirmed speakers are Guadalupe Pacheco Senior Health Advisor, Office of Minority Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (confirmed keynote speaker), the Governor of Oklahoma, and representatives of The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, International Medical Interpreters Association, Oregon’s Office of Multicultural Health, The Joint Commission, Choctaw Nation, Language Line® University, Dallas Children’s Hospital, CCHI, U.S. Department of Health, Washington State Unite, Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center in Houston, international delegates and others.
According to IMIA State Representative for Oklahoma, Tina Pena, “we are working arduously in Oklahoma to professionalize the work of medical interpreters in our state. Only one hospital in the state of Oklahoma currently employs a full-time medical interpreter, so we really have our work cut out for us. An event like this is critical to raise awareness and move things forward against a strong headwind of anti-immigrant and mono-lingual legislative proposals.”
There is no registration fee to attend the annual forum, though space is limited. Online registration is now open at http://www.imiaweb.org/conferences/May1.asp .
The event will be preceded on Sunday, April 29, 2012, by meetings of the Global Advisory Council, IMIA Medical Terminology Boot Camps as well as a press conference to be held at the Press Club meeting room in the Marriott Hotel at 415 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103. The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters will also hold its annual Board convening on May 1st, the day after the Open Forum.
For more information about the 6th Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum, please email may1st_nmic_forum@yahoo.com.
About the Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum
The National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum is an annual event that brings together industry leaders and stakeholders, large and small, private and public, working together to collaborate with a specific focus on the topic of National Medical Interpreter Certification. The purpose of this initiative is to improve and support standardization of the quality of language services in our nation’s health care institutions and to give every organization and individual a voice and opportunity to participate in an inclusive and transparent environment.
This multi-stakeholder event was initiated by Language Line Services in 2007 and is now organized by interpreters and the following organizations: Language Line® University, International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA), PSI Testing & Credentialing, Cardinal Point – Government Relations, Nebraska Association for Translators & Interpreters (NATI), Connecticut Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Nevada Interpreters & Translators Association (NITA), Burg Translation, Language People, Tennessee Association of Medical Interpreters and Translators (TAMIT), Tulsa Community College (TCC), the Epilepsy Foundation, Relay Oklahoma, and more.
Contact:Carla ColladoOlmstead Williams Communications310.824.9000ccollado@olmsteadwilliams.com http://www.olmsteadwilliams.com
This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com .
SOURCE National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
Today is a Milestone Day in the lives of Medical Interpreters #interpreters #NatBoardCMI #imianews February 23, 2012
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in Interpretation, Interpreters, Job / Career Opportunities, Language Compliance, Language Legislation, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Uncategorized.Tags: Interpretation, language barriers, National Medical Certification
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Today is a milestone day in the lives of medical interpreters and the healthcare professionals and patients they serve.
Today the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (National Board), the certifying body for Certification for Medical Interpreters (CMI), merged with the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) and has completed the process of applying for national accreditation.*
As one of its co-founders, I am very excited about the merger of the National Board as part of the International Medical Interpreters Association the oldest association of interpreters in the nation.
It has been a long journey since 2007 when I, along with Jeanette Anders, Linda Joyce, and members of the Language Line Services team, first stepped up and urged that all stakeholders come together in the mission of developing a national standard for medical interpreters.
That year we funded the first annual National Medical Interpreter Certification forum in Boston on May 1, 2007 and invited all to put aside their differences and come together and work toward that mission.
Language Line University offered its expertise in test development and certification and the first formal public/private partnership was developed between Language Line Services, IMIA under the leadership of past president Izabel Arocha, and PSI, Inc., a leading national test development organization and its team of pyschometricians.
In 2008 we funded and added to the partnership a lobbying and advocacy government relations firm in Washington DC. We also funded the nation’s first rally for certification, recognition of professional interpreters and reimbursement to hospitals that worked with professional interpreters to ensure patient safety and quality care through effective communication.
It was also in 2008 that Orlin Marquez of the Medical Interpreter Network of Georgia (MING) became a voice that led to the mission of “yes we can in 2009″ by putting forth a call to action to develop the test and pilot it by the next May 1st convening in 2009. We took that challenge seriously and made it happen.
This journey was not without challenge and roadblocks but we always delivered on our commitments.
We said that once Certification for Medical Interpreters was developed, we would form an independent Board to oversee implementation and become the certifying body. This was accomplished through a national open call and was formalized in October, 2009.
In 2010, Oregon became the first state to adopt The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters as its standard, and provided funding for development of the next five languages which has now concluded the piloting phase and will be released and available this year.
Language Line Services said that once the operational side was stable, we would step back and turn the reins over to the field, and we did.
After an investment of close to $2 million dollars, we naturally wanted to ensure the test and its integrity and security would be protected. Again, we are now honoring that commitment.
After 3 years of partnership, we are convinced that the IMIA has the infrastructure and leadership to carry this forward to the next chapter.
The IMIA will provide the direction, support, and the “voice of the interpreter” to ensure the continued success and growth of the National Board’s interpreter credentials and expansion.
We, at Language Line Services, applaud this exciting next step on the road to recognition of the valuable role played by medical interpreters in the patient safety agenda.
I would like to extend my personal thanks and gratitude to the many wonderful individuals and associations who played a part in this journey.
Every speaker, every forum participant, every planning committee member, every interpreter and every hospital that followed and participated along the way.
From the state associations, sponsors and supporters, to the language service companies (yes, including our competitors) that joined us at the table.
To those who participated in surveys, pilots, focus groups, to the selection committee for the National Board, to the members past and present of the National Board, to the Facebook fans –all 1,300+ of you, and every one out there who ever shared a post and helped increase awareness.
To those that maintained neutrality when it was not the popular thing to do, and to those interpreters that stand tall as Certified Medical Interpreters (“CMI”).
I applaud you all and hope you will join me for a piece of celebratory cake on April 30, 2012 at the Mayo Hotel in Tulsa Oklahoma!
Today’s announcement is a giant step toward the next chapter of medical interpreting and in demonstrating our commitment to the field. We at Language Line Services are very grateful to have taken part in this era of interpreter history and professionalism.
No matter the challenge, if it is the right thing to do we will always support the field and, as we have demonstrated along each path of this journey, we will always honor our commitments.
Yes we can, and we did!
With best regards,
Louis F. Provenzano, Jr.
President & CEO
Language Line Services
To view the press release click on the link below:
To view videos in the launch:
National Medical Interpretation Rally May 1, 2010
National Medical Interpreter Certification Rally Video – April 30, 2010
IMIA Key note Speech in 2010. Ready for 2011 Conference to speak again ! August 17, 2011
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in IMIA, Langage Line Services, Language Access, Language Line University, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: IMIA, Language Access, language line services, Language Line University, Louis F. Provenzano, medical interpreters, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, patient safety
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Medical Interpreters March to Capitol Hill June 2, 2011
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in Interpretation, Interpreters, Langage Line Services, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification.Tags: Medical Certification, Natio, National Medical Certification
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One of the highlights of my life. What an amazing day.
Please view and send this video around the world.
For more information on the Medical Certification visit: www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
5th ANNUAL NATIONAL MEDICAL INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION FORUM March 25, 2011
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in IMIA, Interpreters, Langage Line Services, Language Access, Language Compliance, Language Line University, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: IMIA, Langage Line Services, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum
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5th ANNUAL NATIONAL MEDICAL INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION FORUM
Redondo Beach, CA
April 30 – May 1, 2011
Beach, CA (www.hotelportofino.com)
States across the US * United Kingdom *Japan * Canada * Australia * Taiwan * China
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters *PSI, Testing & Accreditation * Eric Hardt, MD * Cardinal Point Gov. Relations * Language Line Services * International Medical Interpreters Association * Office of Language Testing and Certification, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services* Oregon’s Office of Multicultural Health * Lidget Green, Inc. Psychometricians * Office of Minority Health OSDH, OK * Centrelink, Australia * Massachusetts Department of Public Health * New York State Dept. of Health * International delegates, and many others
State of Oregon First to Adopt National Certification for Medical Interpreters December 23, 2010
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in Interpreters, Language Access, Language Compliance, Language Legislation, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: IMIA, interpreter jobs, medical interpreters, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
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My post on Huffington Post can be found by clicking here:
Text is also found below:
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters announced today that the State of Oregon has become the first state in the nation to officially adopt and endorse the Certification for Medical Interpreters (CMI) through the National Board.
Patients in the United States with limited English proficiency (LEP) continue to face language barriers that threaten their health and undermine their well-being. This first of its kind national interpreting standard provides professional interpreters working in the medical field with the opportunity to be tested and credentialed as certified interpreters.
The Oregon Office of Multicultural Health & Services also has awarded a grant to the National Board for the development of oral certification exams in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. CMI launched the first national certification exam for Spanish in October 2009.
“By embracing the National Board’s standards and supporting its expansion for five additional languages, Oregon is saving considerable time and resources to achieve our goal of ensuring the safety of LEP patients,” said David Cardona, MD, MPH, Healthcare Interpreter Program Coordinator for the Oregon Office of Multicultural Health & Services. “Oregon is ready to bring the benefits of medical interpreter certification to our state, where the LEP population has nearly tripled since 1990.”
Hopefully, this will be the first of many states to make this monumental change that recognizes and solidifies the vision and work of many individuals, organizations and supporters.
This accomplishment could never have been achieved without the vision, passion and support of the International Medical Interpreter Association (IMIA) who have worked tirelessly in support of the National Board to achieve this major milestone and historical first. Language Line Services is proud to be not just a part of this industry-evolving-event, but a catalyst and change-agent throughout this entire process.
Louis Provenzano is President and Chief Operating Officer of Language Line Services, the world’s leading provider of language-based services.
Oregon Awards Grant to National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters for Test Expansion in Five Additional Languages December 23, 2010
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in IMIA, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
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Oregon Awards Grant to National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters for Test Expansion in Five Additional Languages
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, which launched the first national certification exam in Spanish in October 2009 and bestows the Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) designation, has been awarded a grant effective December 21, 2010 by the Oregon Office of Multicultural Health & Services for the development of oral certification exams in five additional languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. The State of Oregon currently recognizes the independent board’s testing and credentialing in Spanish as meeting the requirements for certification of Oregon interpreters and will extend approval to the CMI credentialing in the additional languages upon implementation of the new oral exams.
“Oregon has long been a trailblazer in the area of language access for limited English speaking patients, being one of just a handful of states that have any formalized standards for medical interpreter certification,” said Nelva Lee, PhD, Chair of the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. “The state’s adoption of the certification exams and credentialing process established by the National Board is an important validation of our historic initiative to bring a national standard to the profession. It is my hope that other states will follow Oregon‘s lead and adopt the CMI designation as a requirement for medical interpreters.”
In 2001, the 71st Oregon Legislative Assembly passed Senate Bill 790, which called for the provision of healthcare interpreters for persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). Oregon‘s Health Care Interpreter Council was then charged with developing and implementing the administrative rules that would govern the registry, qualification and certification of interpreters for six languages.
“By embracing the National Board’s standards and supporting its expansion for five additional languages, Oregon is saving considerable time and resources to achieve our goal of ensuring the safety of LEP patients,” said David Cardona, MD, MPH, Healthcare Interpreter Program Coordinator for the Oregon Office of Multicultural Health & Services. “Oregon is ready to bring the benefits of medical interpreter certification to our state, where the LEP population has nearly tripled since 1990.”
Over the next six months, the National Board will develop oral certification exams for the five additional languages in accordance with the same strict standards and scientific process used to design the Spanish certification test. Interpreters interested in participating in pilot testing of the five oral exams can pre-register at staff@certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org.
“The launch of national certification for medical interpreters is a significant achievement, one that all state governments and the U.S. healthcare industry as a whole should applaud,” said Jeanette Poston, a Staff Interpreter at the Jackson County Courthouse for the Oregon Judicial Department. “I personally look forward to sitting for the Spanish exam and becoming a certified medical interpreter.”
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BOARD OF CERTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL INTERPRETERS
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters is a non-profit organization, formed from an independent group of industry professionals who represent all key stakeholder groups, including professional medical interpreters, trainers, employers, providers, and regulators. The National Board developed the first and most comprehensive national medical interpreting certification program to date. It serves as the certifying entity and has independent authority over all essential certification decisions. The purpose of certification is to ensure limited English proficiency patient safety by rigorous evaluation and assurance of the competency of medical interpreters, through written and oral exams. Those who pass the written and oral exams are bestowed the CMI credential which stands for Certified Medical Interpreter. The formation and structure of the National Board of Certification adheres to the standards and requirements for certification program governance. For more information, visit http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Media Contact:
Trent Freeman / tfreeman@olmsteadwilliams.com / 310.824.9000
This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
RELATED LINKS
http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
The Road to Certification for Medical Interpreters (CMI) November 16, 2010
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in IMIA, Immigration Activity, Interpreters, Job / Career Opportunities, Language Line University, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: Medical Certification, medical interpreters, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
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A must see documentary on The Road to Certification for Medical Interpreters. History made in the United States.
For full video click here —–> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zvlQNVof7U
Hospitals Must Overcome Language Barriers to Save Lives, Cut Costs October 7, 2010
Posted by Louis F. Provenzano, Jr. in IMIA, Interpretation, Interpreters, Job / Career Opportunities, Langage Line Services, Language Compliance, Language Legislation, Language Line University, Louis F. Provenzano, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, National Medical Certification, Patient Safety.Tags: certification, language line services, Louis F. Provenzano, May 1st Advocacy Day for Medical Interprets, Medical Certification, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, Office of Civil Rights, over the phone medical interpreters
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My article in Huffington Post.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louis-provenzano/hospitals-must-overcome-l_b_749321.html
More than 60 million people – about one in five legal U.S. residents – speak a language other than English at home, and it’s not all Spanish, with more than 176 different languages and dialects spoken across the country. Not having the right support in place to overcome language barriers when there is a medical emergency can be the difference between life and death.
It’s difficult enough to explain to the doctor what really hurts and get a resolution that gets you well, even if you do speak the language. Having to rely on a bi-lingual family member and their well-intended but often conflicting biases to translate or worse, bluffing your way through with broken English, can lead to poor medical care or worse.
That’s the reasoning behind the new Joint Commission accreditation standards set to take effect in January 2011 which substantially increase the commitment hospitals must make to multiculturalism and support for numerous languages, not just Spanish.
The Joint Commission, with funding from The Commonwealth Fund, began the initiative in August 2008 to advance the issues of effective communication, cultural competence, and patient- and family-centered care in hospitals. The Patient-Centered Communication standards were approved in December 2009 and released in January 2010 (see: A Roadmap for Hospitals). Compliance will be evaluated beginning in January 1, 2011, with compliance included in the accreditation decision as soon as January 2012.
Right now, few hospitals are in full compliance with the new standards. “Most are not even close,” according to Jonathan Hirsch, Director of Guest Services at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., which already meets the new standards but is in the definite minority. Hirsch speaks often about the importance of language compliance for hospitals and other medical facilities. “That’s why The Joint Commission is increasing the standards to finally move the needle on all hospitals becoming compliant which not only improves the quality of patient care, but trims costs for the hospitals, too.”
At a time when the country is hyper-focused on equitable, affordable health care, Hirsch says language compliance is one of the critical areas to address. Holy Name, a mid-sized hospital, average’s more than 5,000 interpretations per year (42 languages on a regular basis), and Hirsch credits the interpretations with dramatically cutting the amount of time patients spend in the hospital and reducing the number of patients who need to be readmitted. Both substantially lower costs. “But, most importantly, it has improved care and helped save lives,” Hirsch said.
The language-related sections of the new Joint Commission standards include: developing a system of identifying the patient’s preferred language; ensuring the competency of individuals who provide language services; developing a method of delivering language services; and translating materials and signage into other languages.
Some hospitals have a team of interpreters who serve a limited number of languages – again, often just Spanish – and some also use local freelance interpreters. Most facilities use a combination of on-site and over-the-phone interpreters, but full compliance with all languages under heavy traffic is unusual.
“I’ve seen hospitals brag about being able to interpret for 90 percent of patients who do not speak English. I always ask what they do with the other 10 percent. Charades?” Hirsch said.
Hospitals are reviewed for compliance with Joint Commission standards on an ongoing basis, with unscheduled accreditation surveys taking place approximately every three years. Hospitals that fall short of these standards risk losing access to Medicare and Medicaid funds, as well as incur additional costs in resolving issues identified to reestablish compliance.
Louis Provenzano is President and Chief Operating Officer of Language Line Services, the world’s leading provider of language-based services.
