Interpreter Policy

Code: A1.1.2

Date 17/06/2014 

Reviewed 13/05/2025

Purpose:

To provide clients with effective communication consistent with their needs.

To clarify the practice position as regards the fees charged by interpreters.

To comply with the Health And Disability Code of Consumers' Rights, rights 4 and 5.

“Every consumer has the right to effective communication in a form language and manner that enables the consumer to understand the information provided. Where necessary and reasonably practicable this includes the right to a competent interpreter.”

Responsible Staff:

Implementation: Clinical Director

Action: All Staff

Training Resources:

The Health And Disability Code of Consumers' Rights.

Linked Policies:

None

Policy:

The practice is not obliged to provide interpreter services free of charge, however there are a number of free services available to patients.

Interpreting New Zealand telephone interpreters are currently provided free of charge.

Clients are welcome to bring an interpreter with them. Clinicians may prefer to use Interpreting New Zealand at times to ensure that information is being translated accurately and without prejudice. 

Best practice guidelines strongly recommend that only professional interpreters should be used.  This is impracticable, and does not take into account the patient's right to choose who is in the consultation room with them, nor the cultural mores which expect in some cases that family members will be the interpreter.  

Staff should however be aware that there may be circumstances where it is necessary to use only professional interpreting services.  These may include the assessment of Capacity in particular, and in general cases where there may be significant bias in interpretation, or embarassment leading to misunderstanding.

Upon request, the practice will assist clients to find an interpreter other than those provided free of charge. Any fees charged by interpreters are to be directed to the client.

We will not act as an intermediary for interpreter fees.  Interpreters act as the agent of the client, not of the practice.  The practice will not pay nor engage to collect fees for interpreters appointed by clients.

Change Log:

13/05/2025

Removed audit matrix as not useful.

Changed to Interpreting New Zealand

Added statement about best practice in use of interpreters.

17/06/2014:

Added availability of free interpreters through Interpreting Canterbury

Updated wording (minor changes without changing meaning)