POLICY:
North Texas Ophthalmology Associates (NTOA) will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs and other benefits. The policy of NTOA is to ensure meaningful communication with LEP patients/clients and their authorized representatives involving their medical conditions and treatment. The policy also provides for communication of information contained in vital documents, including but not limited to, waivers of rights, consent to treatment forms, financial and insurance benefit forms, etc. All interpreters, translators and other aids needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without cost to the person being served, and patients/clients and their families will be informed of the availability of such assistance free of charge.

Language assistance will be provided through use of competent bilingual staff, staff interpreters, contracts or formal arrangements with local organizations providing interpretation or translation services, or technology and telephonic interpretation services. All staff will be provided notice of this policy and procedure, and staff that may have direct contact with LEP individuals will be trained in effective communication techniques, including the effective use of an interpreter. NTOA will conduct a regular review of the language access needs of our patient population, as well as update and monitor the implementation of this policy and these procedures, as necessary.

PROCEDURES:
1. IDENTIFYING LEP PERSONS AND THEIR LANGUAGE
NTOA will promptly identify the language and communication needs of the LEP person. If necessary, staff will use a language identification card to determine the language. In addition, when records are kept of past interactions with patients (clients/residents) or family members, the language used to communicate with the LEP person will be included as part of the record.

2. OBTAINING A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER
Viridiana Garcia/Heather Sutherland (940)723-1274 are responsible for:

A. Maintaining an accurate and current list showing the name, language, phone number and hours of availability of bilingual staff: Dr. West – Spanish/Portuguese, Viridiana Garcia– Spanish, Alexis Garcia – Spanish, Tonya Vivas – Spanish, Vanessa Villalpando – Spanish, Allison Loyola – Spanish, Tania Reza – Spanish, Dr. Compton – Malay/Indonesian. (940) 723-1274. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

B. Contacting the appropriate bilingual staff member to interpret, in the event that an interpreter is needed, if an employee who speaks the needed language is available and is qualified to interpret;

C. Obtaining an outside interpreter if a bilingual staff or staff interpreter is not available or does not speak the needed language.

The Language Line has agreed to provide qualified interpreter services. The agency’s telephone number is (888) 763-3364, with (24/7) hours availability. Some LEP persons prefer or request to use a family member or friend as an interpreter. NTOA prefers to have a family or friend accompany the patient during exams, testing, and procedures to ensure quality treatments. However, family members or friends of the LEP person will not be required to function as interpreters unless requested by that individual and after the LEP person has understood that an offer of an interpreter at no charge to the person has been made by the facility. Such an offer and the response will be documented in the person’s file. If the LEP person chooses to use a family member or friend as an interpreter, issues of competency of interpretation, confidentiality, privacy, and conflict of interest will be considered. If the family member or friend is not competent or appropriate for any of these reasons, competent interpreter services will be provided to the LEP person. Children and other clients/patients/residents will not be used to interpret, in order to ensure confidentiality of information and accurate communication.

3. PROVIDING WRITTEN TRANSLATIONS
A. When translation of vital documents is needed, each unit in NTOA will submit documents for translation into frequently-encountered languages to (Viridiana Garcia/Heather Sutherland).Original documents being submitted for translation will be in final, approved form with updated and accurate legal and medical information.

B. Facilities will provide translation of other written materials, if needed, as well as written notice of the availability of translation, free of charge, for LEP individuals.

C. NTOA will provide translation of vital documents into additional, less frequently encountered languages as needed.

4. PROVIDING NOTICE TO LEP PERSONS
NTOA will inform LEP persons of the availability of language assistance, free of charge, by providing written notice in languages LEP persons will understand. At a minimum, notices and signs will be posted and provided in intake areas and other points of entry, including but not limited to all outpatient areas, etc. Notification will also be provided through one or more of the following: outreach documents, telephone voice mail menus, local newspapers, radio and television stations, and/or community-based organizations. These will be posted on our official website, www.ntoaeye.com.

5. MONITORING LANGUAGE NEEDS AND IMPLEMENTATION
On an ongoing basis, NTOA will assess changes in demographics, types of services or other needs that may require re-evaluation of this policy and its procedures. In addition, NTOA will regularly assess the efficacy of these procedures, including but not limited to mechanisms for securing interpreter services, equipment used for the delivery of language assistance, complaints filed by LEP persons, feedback from patients and community organizations, etc.

Complaints will be received and kept by Viridiana Garcia and Heather Sutherland.