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Clear the Linguistic Gap: Help Patients with Limited English Proficiency
Course Overview
Communication barriers between health care providers and patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP) can jeopardize the quality and safety of the care patients receive. Learn more about patients with LEP, their rights, and the resources that are crucial for providing accessible care and avoiding miscommunication.
Course Information
Course Description
Effective communication is essential to patient safety, informed consent, and quality healthcare outcomes. This course explores the challenges faced by patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and reviews strategies healthcare organizations can use to provide meaningful language access. Learners will examine legal and ethical requirements, the role of qualified medical interpreters, and best practices for working with diverse patient populations.

The course also highlights the important role medical assistants play in promoting equitable, culturally responsive, and patient-centered care.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Describe the impact of language barriers on patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
  • Identify legal and regulatory requirements related to language access services.
  • Compare qualified interpreter services with ad hoc interpretation methods.
  • Recognize best practices for communicating with patients who have limited English proficiency.
  • Apply culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies that support patient-centered care.
Course Contributors
Mark Harris
Author of "Clear the Linguistic Gap: Help patients with limited English proficiency".
Intended Audience
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, and other healthcare team members who interact directly with diverse patient populations. Learners will gain practical skills to improve communication, enhance patient safety, and support equitable access to care.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $20.00
Nonmember: $30.00
CEU Offered:
2 Gen/Adm CEUs
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