Hatch, NM asked in Health Care Law for New Mexico

Q: I work at a clinic and was wondering what our rights are when we informally translate to patients (language wise)?

Do we need to have a certified translator to speak or review forms to that individual?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Freeeport, FL

A: Instead of rights, do you perhaps mean liability exposure? Because yes, you are potentially asking for trouble if you are not sure that what you are saying in the foreign language is understood in the way you intend.

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