Lost in Translation: Interpreter Cutbacks Could Put Patient Lives on the Line 

By Vanessa G. Sánchez

July 16, 2025

Article HTML
<br /> <span class="byline">Vanessa G. Sánchez</span></p> <p>LISTEN: Federal legislation entitles sufferers to interpreters in the event that they don’t have a powerful grasp of English. KFF Well being Information correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez appeared on WAMU’s “Well being Hub” on July 9 to elucidate why some Trump administration insurance policies are leaving sufferers fearful to ask for language providers. </p> <p>Sufferers want to speak clearly with their well being care supplier. However that’s getting tougher for these within the U.S. who don’t communicate English. </p> <p>Price range cuts by the Trump administration have left some suppliers scrambling to maintain certified medical interpreters. And an government order designating English the official language of the USA has created confusion amongst suppliers about what providers needs to be provided. </p> <p>Sufferers who don’t communicate English are left afraid, and maybe in danger for medical errors. What occurs when those that need assistance are too frightened to ask? </p> <p>In WAMU’s July 9 “Well being Hub” phase, KFF Well being Information correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez defined why well being advocates fear these adjustments might result in worse affected person outcomes. </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a> is a nationwide newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about well being points and is likely one of the core working applications at KFF—an impartial supply of well being coverage analysis, polling, and journalism. Study extra about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us/">KFF</a>.</p> <h3>USE OUR CONTENT</h3> <p>This story might be republished at no cost (<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/louisiana-hiv-exposure-law-sex-offender-registry/view/republish/">details</a>).</p> <p>
Copy HTML