Assembly bill to support translation services for Medi-Cal Patients

On August 30^th, the assembly gave final approval to a bill by Assembly Speaker, Emeritus Toni G. Atkins. Representing the first step towards state-funded medical interpretation services, the bill aims to provide translation services to Medi-Cal patients with limited English proficiency. Now, the bill is just awaiting Governor Jerry Brown’s signature.

With more than 200 languages spoken in California, there is a pressing need among low-income communities for translation services at medical institutions. Currently, many rely on unqualified interpreters who are not familiar with the medical field. In some extreme cases, patients even rely on their English-speaking children for assistance.

If passed, the bill will invest $3 million for the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to research the most efficient way to provide medical interpretation services for those in need. Although Governor Brown has previously vetoed similar measures, Atkins stressed the importance of the bill as it would greatly benefit approximately 7 million residents in California who have a very limited English proficiency.