Are dentists required to provide sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired?
April 12, 2008
DentiSign may may helpful in providing dental care to the hearing impaired.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (AwDA) defines a dental office as a public accommodation.
Therefore, dental offices cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities such as hearing loss.
The AwDA requires dentists to provide care for patients with disabilities and to establish ways to communicate so they can understand.
There are a variety of ways to communicate with a deaf or hearing-impaired patient. For example, using written notes, pictures or models to discuss the patient’s condition and recommended treatment. Office computers are also useful in carrying on a conversation with a hearing-impaired patient.
Some hearing-impaired individuals are very adept at reading lips and prefer to be spoken to. The best approach may be to let the patient indicate the form of communication he/she prefers. There may be times when using a sign language interpreter is appropriate.
For example, it may be advisable to use an interpreter when providing complex or extensive information to obtain informed consent to a procedure that carries significant risk.
Does the dental office have to pay for a sign language interpreter?
You may not have to hire an interpreter. A member of the patient’s family may be able to interpret for you, or there may be a service organization in your community that will provide an interpreter at no cost. The local office of your state rehabilitation services agency or health department may be able to direct you to such an organization. It is important that an interpreter accurately convey what both doctor and patient are saying.
If no other resource is available, and the patient is unable to communicate and understand by any method other than sign language, you may have to hire an interpreter. Under the AwDA, you would have to pay the cost of the interpreter and could not pass the cost on to the patient as a supplemental charge or increased fee for the dental treatment. Should you determine an interpreter is not required, the disabled person can file a complaint and you must be prepared to justify your decision. For increased patient confidentiality and/or to explain complex procedures, a professional interpreter may be needed. Visit NAD to learn more about interpreters from the National Association of the Deaf.
Comments
Got something to say?
Print DentiSign and bring it to your next dental appointment and see the difference it makes.
