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Preventable Emergency Department Visits for Patients with Limited English Proficiency in Minnesota
Vuong Nguyen
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Abstract
This policy proposal addresses preventable emergency department (ED) visits from patients who don’t speak English well, also known as limited English proficiency (LEP), in Minnesota. Previous research has demonstrated that LEP patients often experience poorer health outcomes including lower use of preventative services and increased usage of EDs/frequent hospitalizations. Healthcare interpreters have been a vital resource to bridge the gap of communication from language barriers. Although independent interpreter agencies and hospital organizations set standards for interpreters, there are no statewide standards in place for healthcare interpreters in Minnesota. Two potential policies are proposed to address preventable ED visits: implementing statewide standards for healthcare interpreters or increasing reimbursement rates from MA of community health workers (CHW), who in prior studies have demonstrated significant decreases in ED visits through patient education. The suggested policy is to set statewide standards as there are already bills in the Minnesota Senate and House in place, the policy can be modeled after court interpreters, and there are self-sufficient funds from the annual roster fee for healthcare interpreters.
