Health Care Interpreting Policy and Law

Federal Civil Rights Law

Oregon's health care interpreter law is based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which stipulates that no person may be excluded from participation in any program or activity receiving federal funds on the basis of national origin.

For guidance on compliance and obligations related to providing meaningful access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons, see the Office for Civil Rights "Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons".

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 413.550

ORS 413.550 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish, subject to available funding, a program for the certification of health care interpreters for persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). The statute's intent is to assure that LEP persons are not excluded from health care services or receive health care services that are based on inaccurate or incomplete information. Within the context of this law, health care is defined as "medical, surgical or hospital care recognized by state law, including mental health care."

View full text of ORS 413.550

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-002

OAR 333-002 is the set of administrative rules establishes the standards for the implementation of ORS 413.550.

View full text of the OAR 333-002

Oregon Senate Bill 1580

SB 1580 is the legislation which establishes Oregon's Coordinated Care Organizations. Administrative rules for SB 1580 will establish the standards for the CCOs related to cultural and linguistically accessible care and the use of qualified or certified health care interpreters.

View the full text of SB 1580 and the related Administrative Rules

Find out more about Coordinated Care Organizations