Code of Ethics for Interpreters

• Some of the issues of confidentiality, conflict of interest, and intrusion of the interpreter’s own ethnocentric values are addressed in the code of ethics for medical interpreters4.

  The Interpreter/Translator when interpreting/translating:

  1. Shall perform his/her work accurately, completely, and clearly with the greatest possible fidelity to the spirit and letter of the original communication.
  2. Shall consider all information learned and/or transmitted during the performance of interpretation/translation as strictly confidential divulging no part of it unless with the full approval of the patient and his/her physician.
  3. Shall strive to enhance the communication process among all parties by providing information and guidance regarding the communication needs involved in the interaction.
  4. Shall lnterpret/Translate everything, but shall inform the health professional if the content to be translated might be perceived as offensive, insensitive, or otherwise harmful to the dignity and welt being of the patient.
  5. Shall not accept any assignment for which he/she is not adequately qualified, either in language skill or understanding of the subject matter, unless limitations are understood by the patient and health provider and no other more appropriate source of interpretation is available.
  6. Shall not accept any assignment in situations where close personal or professional ties may affect impartiality, unless an emergency renders the service necessary.

   

• The Interpreter/Translator when working with the patient

  1. Shall strive to develop a relationship of trust and respect at all times with the patient by adhering to the points delineated in Section I and by practicing the following:
     1. adopts a caring, attentive, yet discreet and impartial attitude toward the patient, toward his/her questions, concerns, and needs
     2. makes every effort to understand and communicate to others the context (social, cultural) in which the patient is operating, particularly as it may affect the patient's medical needs and status
     3. understands and assures that the principle of informed consent is implemented through complete translation of all necessary written and/or verbal information in order that the patient be able to assert the right of free choice to the greatest extent possible
     4. makes every effort to assure that the patient has understood questions, instructions, and other information transmitted by the health provider.
  2. Shall refrain from fulfilling roles and functions that exceed those of an interpreter/translator, so as to give the patient a reliable and clear understanding of what service the interpreter/translator is providing.

Last Modified: May 31, 2007