MFAW Guidebook
Interpreter Services
SHCN must coordinate interpreter services (language, Braille, or sign) for a participant, parent(s), and/or responsible party(ies) when the provision of service coordination is not possible due to a communication barrier.
In an effort to promote a higher degree of independence and health literacy, consideration of referrals to resources to reduce language barriers are encouraged.
Language barriers may interfere with the provision of services to the participant/family leading to misunderstandings and impacting Program effectiveness. Effective language services through a professional interpreter can help prevent these problems. Service Coordinators must offer and encourage the utilization of professional interpreter services during any communication with the participant/family when there is a language barrier present. If professional interpreter services are refused by the participant/family, this refusal must be documented in progress notes to justify the use of a non-professional interpreter (i.e. bilingual family member, friend, etc.)
Service Coordinators should use the current state contract for providing interpretation and translation services. All interpreter services must be documented in the SHCN Information System services screen and limited to direct Program service coordination. Participants/families should be instructed in the use of interpreter services, if applicable. Applicable billing information is obtained and given to the designated Regional Office staff person for processing.
Note: There are different providers for phone and in-person home visit interpreter services. Please review the current state interpreter service providers.
Required Form for Processing Payment of Interpreter Services
Service Coordinators will complete the below interpreter form for the corresponding interpreter service used and submit to the Regional Office Reporting Email. The Regional Office LASA will then submit to the Central Office Email for processing. Please see the HCY-MFAW Interpreter Process and Resource Guide for additional detail.
- HCY-MFAW Interpreter Usage Data Sheet