Oregon Health Care Interpreter Program Overview
The Oregon Health Care Interpreter (HCI) Program is committed to improving access to quality health care interpretation for Limited English-speaking persons in Oregon. The HCI Program's goal is to assure that Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons are not excluded from health care services, and that they have access to accurate and complete information about their health care.
Oregon's Health Care Interpreter Program oversees the HCI Registry and the qualification and certification of health care interpreters as specified in Oregon Law (ORS 413.550 to 413.558, and OAR 333-002). The program also advocates for policies to ensure culturally and linguistically accessible services; supports HCI professional development, and staffs the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Council.
Overview of requirements for registration, qualification, and certification as a Health Care Interpreter in Oregon.
Definition of health care interpreter in Oregon law
"Health care interpreter" means a person who is readily able to communicate with a person with limited English proficiency and to accurately translate the written or oral statements of the person with limited English proficiency into English, and who is readily able to translate the written or oral statements of other persons into the language of the person with limited English proficiency." - ORS 413.550
What is the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Registry?
The Health Care Interpreter Registry is a database of working health care interpreters in Oregon. The Registry includes three types of interpreters:
Interpreters may choose to enroll in the HCI Registry either before becoming qualified or certified, or as a part of their qualification or certification application.
Information about enrolling in the Health Care Interpreter Registry.
Note/disclaimer: Enrolling in the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Registry does not confer Qualified or Certified Health Care Interpreter status. The State makes no claims as to the competence of registered health care interpreters who are not Qualified or Certified.
What is a Qualified Health Care Interpreter?
An Oregon Qualified health care interpreter is an individual who has demonstrated proficiency in both English and a second language, and has met formal HCI training and work experience requirements. Qualification is available to interpreters in any language for which proficiency testing is available. Since Certification is available for only a limited number of languages, Qualification is the highest credential available in certain languages. (See About Certification page for more information about languages currently available for certification.
Information about becoming a Qualified Health Care Interpreter
What is a Certified Health Care Interpreter?
Certification is the highest level of credential available from the State of Oregon, and is achieved by oral and written examination, along with formal training and experience. Certification establishes interpreting skills and medical knowledge as well as language proficiency.
Information about becoming a Certified Health Care Interpreter
Questions?
Feel free to contact us at: hci.program@state.or.us, or (971) 673-1286. |