As a healthcare provider in Oregon, your commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care is at the heart of everything you do. When serving a diverse community, language barriers can complicate that mission. With over 15% of Oregon’s population speaking a language other than English at home—and many individuals relying on American Sign Language (ASL)—language access is essential.
2025 brings new opportunities to connect with your patients and meet important regulatory requirements. From Oregon’s HB 2359 to the upcoming licensing requirement for ASL interpreters, compliance is critical. At Linguava, we know it’s not just about regulations—it’s about creating meaningful language access and ensuring every patient has a seat at the table to participate in their healthcare.
This guide is here to help you kick off the year with confidence. We’ll break down the laws that shape language access, offer actionable tips to improve your services, and show how Linguava can partner with you to build patient trust, strengthen care, and support your team every step of the way of the language access journey.
What is Language Access and Why Does It Matter?
Language access ensures that everyone, regardless of the language they speak or sign, has equal access to healthcare information and services. It’s about:
- Building Trust: Patients who feel heard and understood are more likely to seek care and follow through on treatment plans.
- Improving Outcomes: Effective communication reduces medical errors and increases satisfaction.
- Promoting Inclusion: Every patient deserves the same level of care, no matter their preferred language.
At Linguava, we simplify language access so you can focus on what you do best: caring for your patients.
Key Language Access Regulations for 2025
Understanding the laws governing language access is the foundation of equitable care. Here’s a brief overview of federal and Oregon-specific regulations:
Federal Language Access Regulations
- Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
- Requires healthcare providers to offer qualified interpreters and translated materials for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals.
- Provide nondiscrimination notices in the top 15 languages spoken in your area.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Mandates communication access for individuals with disabilities, including access to qualified ASL interpreters.
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Requires recipients of federal funds to ensure meaningful access for LEP individuals.
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504
- Ensures non-discrimination in federally funded programs, including language and communication access.
Oregon Language Access Regulations
- House Bill 2359 (HB 2359)
- Requires healthcare providers to use certified or qualified healthcare interpreters listed in Oregon’s Health Care Interpreter Registry.
- Mandates informing patients of their right to free interpretation services.
- ASL Interpreter Licensing
- Starting July 1, 2025, all ASL interpreters in Oregon must obtain state licensing, ensuring they meet professional standards.
These regulations are not just about compliance—they’re about ensuring every patient receives the care and communication they need.
How Linguava Can Help You Start 2025 Strong
We know that implementing language access solutions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Linguava, we specialize in partnering with healthcare providers like you to create impactful, patient-focused language access programs.
1. Personalized Guidance from Dedicated Account Managers
Your language access needs are unique, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
- We’ll work with you to create a Language Access Plan (LAP) tailored to your organization.
- Our account managers provide ongoing support to ensure your program evolves with your needs and stays compliant.
2. Connecting You with Qualified Interpreters
We take pride in providing interpreters who are not only certified but also compassionate and culturally competent.
- Certified Healthcare Interpreters: We ensure compliance with HB 2359 by connecting you with interpreters listed in Oregon’s Health Care Interpreter registry.
- Licensed ASL Interpreters: With the upcoming ASL licensing requirement, we’re ready to help you prepare and access interpreters who meet Oregon’s new standards.
3. Comprehensive Translation Services
From consent forms to patient portals, we ensure your materials are:
- Translated into the most common languages in your community.
- Culturally adapted for clarity and understanding.
- Compliant with federal and state accessibility standards.
4. Training for Providers and Interpreters
Empowering your team is key to delivering inclusive care.
- Provider Workshops: Learn how to effectively work with interpreters and build trust with LEP and Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients.
- Interpreter Training: Our 60-hour interpreter training program equips interpreters with the skills they need to succeed in healthcare settings.
Your 2025 Language Access Checklist
To help you start the year on the right foot, here’s a quick checklist:
- Assess Your Patient Demographics
- Identify the top languages spoken in your community.
- Evaluate how often your patients require ASL or LEP services.
- Review Your Language Access Program
- Are you meeting federal and state requirements, including HB 2359?
- Are you prepared for the July 2025 ASL licensing requirement?
- Update Your Materials
- Ensure all vital documents, including forms and discharge instructions, are translated.
- Make sure digital tools, like patient portals and telehealth platforms, are accessible.
- Empower Your Team
- Train your providers and staff to work effectively with interpreters.
- Partner with a professional language access provider for ongoing support.
Let’s Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet
At Linguava, we believe that language access is about more than compliance—it’s about connection. By investing in high-quality interpretation, translation, and training, you’re building a healthcare environment where every patient feels valued and can participate in their healthcare.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, from navigating new regulations to creating a personalized plan that meets your goals.
Let’s get started together. Contact us today to learn how Linguava can support your language access journey and help you provide exceptional care in 2025 and beyond.
Your Partner In Language Access
At Linguava, we are here to support you as your partner in language access. We are ISO 9001, 17100, and 18587 certified, ensuring quality . As a leading provider of language services for the healthcare industry, we offer a wide range of services to help medical practices incorporate language access successfully. These include Translation and Localization , Scheduled Video Interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation, Over the Phone Interpretation, and American Sign Language Interpretation.
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