The National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC) was established in 1998 with a mission to promote language access in healthcare. It developed a National Code of Ethics for healthcare interpreters in 2002-2004 and a set of National Standards of Practice based on the Code of Ethics to define competent practice. The Standards of Practice, consisting of 32 standards grouped under 9 headings, are meant to ensure consistent quality of interpreter performance and be used for training, hiring, performance monitoring, and certification purposes.
3. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Building a Profession
Create and build support for a single code of
ethics that would guide the practice of
interpreters working in health care venues
Develop a nationally accepted, unified set of
standards of practice based on the National
Code of Ethics to define competent practice in
the field
Develop standards for healthcare
interpreter training
6. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
Code of Ethics vs Standards of Practice
• A code of ethics
provides a set of
principles or values that
govern the conduct of
members of a
professions while they
are engaged in the
enactment of that
profession.
• Gives guidelines for
making judgments about
what is acceptable and
desirable behavior in a
given context or in a
particular relationship.
• Standards of Practice
define what an interpreter
does in the performance
of his or her role – the
tasks and skills the
interpreter should be able
to perform in the course of
fulfilling the duties of the
profession.
• Ensure a consistent quality
of performance.
7. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
How can the Standards be used?
To define competent practices in the field
To improve the quality of interpreter services,
resulting in improved communication and
better outcomes in health care
To lead to standards for health care interpreter
training
8. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Why National Standards?
National standards represent the thinking and
practice of interpreters across geographic and
linguistic boundaries.
National standards are more likely to be
widely accepted due to broader input and
buy-in.
Funders of healthcare interpreting were
interested in seeing national unity build
around key issues.
9. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Organization of the Standards
32 Standards of Practice
Grouped under 9 headings demonstrating the
relationship between the standards to the 9 ethical
principles of the National Code of Ethics.
Each heading includes a stated objective, defining the
overall goal of that set of standards.
Corresponding ethical principles are stated under each
heading.
11. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Accuracy
The interpreter renders all messages
accurately and completely, without adding,
omitting, or substituting.
The interpreter replicates the register, style,
and tone of the speaker.
The interpreter advises parties that everything
said will be interpreted.
The interpreter manages the flow of
communication.
The interpreter corrects errors in
interpretation.
The interpreter maintains transparency.
12. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Confidentiality
To honor the private and personal
nature of the health care interaction
and maintain trust.
Related ethical principle:
Interpreters treat as confidential, within
the treating team, all information
learned in the performance of their
professional duties, while observing
relevant requirements regarding
disclosure.
21. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Professionalism
The interpreter is honest and ethical in all
business practices.
The interpreter is prepared for all
assignments.
The interpreter discloses skill limitations with
respect to particular assignments.
The interpreter avoids sight
translation, especially of complex or critical
documents, if he or she lacks sight translation
skills.
22. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Professionalism
The interpreter is accountable for
professionalism performance.
The interpreter advocates for working
conditions that support quality interpreting.
The interpreter shows a respect for
professionals with whom he or she works.
The interpreters acts in a manner befitting the
dignity of the profession and appropriate to
the setting.
24. 9/29/2013
NATIONALCOUNCILONINTERPRETINGINHEALTHCARE
WWW.NCIHC.ORG
Professional Development
The interpreter continues to develop language
and cultural knowledge and interpreting skills.
The interpreter seeks feedback to improve his
or her performance.
The interpreter supports the professional
development of fellow interpreters.
The interpreter participates in organizations
and activities that contribute to the
development of the profession.