‘Language Access Center for Excellence’ Launched as a Healthcare Resource

Speakers bureau of experts on language access for limited-English proficient patients, hospitals and others in the healthcare industry now available nationwide

MONTEREY, Calif., June 14, 2011 — Language Line Services, the worldwide market leader in interpretation and translation services, and the single largest provider of language access solutions to the healthcare industry, today launched its Language Access Center for Excellence. The Center offers experts to speak on key issues constantly facing healthcare providers.

Language Line Services’ customers can access subject matter experts on legal and regulatory compliance issues (including the new Joint Commission standards for effective communication), implementing language access programs, best practices for patient and hospital needs, interpreter certification and training, incorporating technology into patient-centered programs, cost-efficiency models for budget-sensitive healthcare organizations, and lobbying and advocacy efforts. Speakers are available free of charge upon request for conferences and events nationwide.

“Healthcare administrators today face great challenges and often need the support of an expert guide to navigate the increasingly stringent legal and regulatory requirements for serving limited-English speaking patients, as well as the deaf and hard-of-hearing,” said Louis Provenzano, president and CEO of Language Line Services. “One of the greatest values and added benefits of being a Language Line Services customer is the ability to tap into our portfolio of language access industry subject matter experts. They enjoy sharing their knowledge to help our customers break down language barriers, manage language access program costs and efficiencies and improve the overall quality of the patient experience.”

Language Line Services created the over-the-phone interpretation industry almost 30 years ago. The company currently fields thousands of interpretation calls daily from healthcare providers, led by the majority of the top 50 U.S. healthcare organizations. The company’s mission to champion issues important to customers is reflected in both the independent Global Advisory Council (GAC) it helped form with other interpreting experts and patient advocates, and the independent National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters which it co-founded with the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA). The Language Access Center for Excellence coordinates with the GAC, as well as Language Line Services’ Healthcare User Group (HUG), to help meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s healthcare stakeholders.

“Language Line Services is a long-valued partner and has helped us ensure effective healthcare regardless of language across the country,” said Deborah Yvette Moore, who for over 30 years served as manager of the Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas where she oversaw its Language Line Services program. “As a lifelong patient advocate, I believe the Language Access Center for Excellence will prove to be a strong resource for quality training, confident practitioners and the best patient care available.”