WSHA bulletin: Language access obligations and COVID-19 related resources

WSHA has released a bulletin on language access obligations and resources to satisfy them specifically related to COVID-19. Federal antidiscrimination laws like Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the Americans with Disability Act and the Civil Rights Act remain in effect during the ongoing public health emergency. These laws require hospitals and health systems to take steps to ensure effective communication with people who have limited English proficiency and/or communication disabilities such as being deaf, hard of hearing, blind or deaf-blind, including translating vital documents such as information on COVID-19 and providing interpreter services for non-English languages and American Sign Language. Please take a moment to review the bulletin and consider what changes, if any, may be helpful for ensuring effective communication and meaningful access to services during the pandemic.