Interpreter Services documentation has been updated in all Intake and Admission PowerForms, Assessment PowerForms, and IView/I&O. These changes are being made to comply with The Joint Commission Standard: The hospital respects the patient’s right to, and need for, effective communication.
Updates to PowerForms
Admission PowerForms
Admission powerforms have been updated with expanded questions regarding interpreter services.
- For non-English speaking patients, all care providers are required to complete the question: Was an interpreter used for the admission? If answered Yes, the Type of interpreting field requires completion.
- When the interpreter is declined (Offered-patient/family declined is selected), the Interpreter Declined Reason is required.
- When a patient/family declines interpreter services, they must sign the Declined Free Interpreter Services form. To access this form, right click the field Right click for Declined Free Interpreter Services form and select Reference Text. The Decision Support window will display with a link to the form. This form must be printed, signed by the person declining, and sent to HIM to be scanned in the EHR.
Note: This is to be completed once per admission.
Assessment PowerForms
A new Interpreter Services Used section has been added to all multidisciplinary and nursing assessment powerforms.
- For non-English speaking patients, all care providers are required to complete the Interpreter Used question. If answered Yes, the Type of interpreting field is required.
Updates to IView/I&O
New Interpreter Services fields have been added to the IView/I&O Interpreter Services section.
- New fields include:
○ Interpretation Type
○ Interpretation Reason
○ Interpreter Services Declined - When a patient/family declines interpreter services, they must sign the Declined Free Interpreter Services form. To access this form, click the linked text: Interpreter Services Declined Reason. The Decision Support window will display with a link to the form. This form must be printed, signed by the person declining, and sent to HIM to be scanned in the EHR.
Effective September 19, 2023