Title
Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute amendment No. 2 to the agreement (A-13118) with Monterey Language Services for translation, interpretation and other language services, extending the agreement an additional one (1) year period (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) for a revised full agreement term of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020, and adding $120,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $595,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute amendment No. 2 to the agreement (A-13118) with Monterey Language Services for translation, interpretation and other language services, extending the agreement an additional one (1) year period (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) for a revised full agreement term of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020, and adding $120,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $595,000.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Approximately 42% of the patient population at Natividad identify as limited English proficient (LEP). The Joint Commission, the agency that accredits and certifies Natividad, has standards which require effective communication for LEP patients through the use of competent qualified interpreters. Federal and State mandates that govern and regulate equal access to all patients, include Title VI of the Civil Right Act of 1964 and HHS Section 1557, these prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin and require that healthcare be delivered with effective communication to LEP patients. The provision of interpretation services helps Natividad reduce liability for medical errors due to a breakdown in communication and improves the quality of healthcare outcomes.
Natividad utilizes a multi-pronged approach to meet the language needs of patients: in-person interpreting by Natividad medical interp...
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