""Health care that people can understand-in their own language-is fundamental and life-saving. For immigrant New Yorkers facing aggressive federal enforcement and budget cuts to the healthcare they need, this right has never been more urgent.""
"The audit discovered 'numerous deficiencies' in how DOHMH provided interpretation services to New Yorkers with limited English proficiency when they visited the agency's facilities, or when health inspectors visited businesses in the city between 2019 and 2024."
"The department must comply with federal, state, and local laws to ensure meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). One of the most comprehensive mandates, Local Law 30 of 2017, requires the translation of key documents into the top 10 designated city-wide languages."
"The audit identified several key concerns, including the absence of a centralized system for providing interpretation services, which has led to significant barriers for non-English speakers seeking health services."
An audit by the New York State Comptroller found numerous deficiencies in the Health Department's interpretation services for individuals with limited English proficiency. Bilingual auditors faced challenges in accessing services, with 66 percent of attempts encountering issues such as dropped calls or lack of interpreters. The audit emphasized the importance of providing healthcare information in accessible languages, especially for immigrant communities. Compliance with Local Laws 30 and 73 is necessary to ensure meaningful access to services for these individuals.
#health-department #interpretation-services #limited-english-proficiency #new-york-city #audit-findings
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