Language Services at Scripps April 27, 2013 By: Linda L. Medal, MA Cultural Competency Coordinator

Scripps Health Private, non-profit integrated health system in San Diego, California that treats a half-million patients annually. Dedicated to improving community health while advancing medicine through clinical research and graduate medical education. More than 2,600 affiliated physicians and 13,000 employees, outpatient care network, home healthcare, health and wellness events. Five acute-care hospital campuses - Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista - Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego - Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla - Scripps Green Hospital - Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas

Compliance with Joint Commission Standards Clear communication at all levels and at all times among patients, clinicians, and support staff is our goal. System-wide education on language services, individual site orientations, on-line modules, in-person trainings, etc. Policy on interpretive services. Modification of forms to include language preference. New registration process to identify, track, and communicate a patient’s preferred language for discussing healthcare. Internal audits. Improved documentation process. On-going efforts to improve compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.

It is essential to use qualified, competent, and professionally trained medical interpreters to ensure our patients’ safety, increase patient satisfaction, increase compliance with the law, and decrease the risk of medical error, liability and malpractice. Interpretive Services I) Over-the-Phone Interpretation. II) Dual-Role Staff Interpreters. Total of 73 in12 languages. III) Video Remote Interpreting for American Sign Language. IV) In-person Professional Interpreters. Translation Services Signs and Braille for visually impaired. Scripps Language Services (system-wide, 24/7)