Doctors Must Provide Translation Services if Needed by Patients

November 22, 2024

The top three non-English languages spoken in Illinois are Spanish, Polish and Chinese

If you receive federal payments for clinical services, including under Medicare or Medicaid, you are obligated to ensure effective communication for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). This requirement applies to all healthcare professionals.

In Illinois, interpretation services for non-English-speaking patients are required by law.

Learn more about providing effective communication with ISMS’ medical legal guideline, Foreign Language Interpreter Requirements.

View the top non-English languages spoken in the various states of our country, including Illinois, as compiled by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.