Title
Authorize and direct the Purchasing Manager for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) to execute Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement (A-12214) with Monterey Language Services for Translation, Interpretation and other Language Services at NMC, extending the Agreement to June 30, 2016 and adding $140,000 for a revised total Agreement amount not to exceed $385,000 in the aggregate (for the period December 1, 2010 to June 30, 2016).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize and direct the Purchasing Manager for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) to execute Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement (A-12214) with Monterey Language Services for Translation, Interpretation and other Language Services at NMC, extending the Agreement to June 30, 2016 and adding $140,000 for a revised total Agreement amount not to exceed $385,000 in the aggregate (for the period December 1, 2010 to June 30, 2016).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Approximately 52% of the patient population at NMC identify themselves as limited English proficient (LEP). The Joint Commission, the agency that accredits NMC, has standards which require effective communication for LEP patients through the use of competent qualified interpreters. The California and Federal laws that regulate equal access to all patients, including Title VI of the Civil Right Act of 1964, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin and require that healthcare be delivered with effective communication for non-English speakers. The provision of interpretation services helps NMC reduce liability for medical errors due to a breakdown in communication and improves the quality of healthcare.
NMC utilizes a three-pronged approach to meet the language needs of patients: in-person interpreting by NMC Medical Interpreters, NMC dual-role bilingual staff, and independent contractors; video interpreting; and over-the-phone interpreting. Monterey Language Services can provide an umbrell...
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