Language Line^(R) University Announces New Certified Medical Interpreter Designation

To identify medical interpreters who have demonstrated the interpreting skill and knowledge of the medical field

MONTEREY, Calif., Nov 21, 2008  -- Language Line^(R) University announced today the establishment of the "Certified Medical Interpreter" (CMI) professional designation to identify medical interpreters who have demonstrated the interpreting skill and knowledge of the medical field needed to bridge language barriers between healthcare providers and limited English proficient (LEP) patients.

Language Line University, the globally recognized interpreter testing, training and certification division of Language Line Services, will be the first testing body to use the designation of Certified Medical Interpreter.

"Time and again research has shown that professional medical interpreters, who are trained in medical terminology and cultural nuances, can improve outcomes for patients, lower risks, and even reduce costs," explains Louis Provenzano, President and COO of Language Line Services, the leading provider of interpreting services.

"Similar to a CPA in accounting or an RN in nursing, we hope the CMI designation will help employers recognize the level of training and professionalism involved in becoming a skilled medical interpreter."

Interpreters that have passed the existing certification exam, currently offered in 22 languages and administered by Language Line University, are given the title of "LLU CMI."

LLU CMI designees will receive a certificate indicating the professional designation appended to their name and will also receive a wallet card that will identify the language pair(s) in which they are certified. The certification number on the card will correlate to the online "International Registry of Certified Medical Interpreters," the first comprehensive industry resource of its kind, designed to give hospitals, healthcare organizations, interpreters and researchers worldwide access to a free resource for identifying professional medical interpreters and reviewing their skills and credentials.

"A problem within the healthcare industry is that often untrained bilinguals are used for medical interpreting, leaving room for errors that put providers and patients at risk," says Jonathan Hirsch, Director of Guest Services and Patient Advocate at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey.

"We feel, as with any skilled profession, the certified medical interpreter has worked hard to achieve a level of expertise. It's a great tool for the industry to ensure that these interpreters have the ability to identify their credentials while also giving healthcare providers a tool for verification."

Language Line University is developing an enhanced assessment tool that will include an oral test, written exam and sight translation skill assessment. Guidance will be provided by members of the Global Advisory Council (GAC), an independent, international body of healthcare and medical interpreting experts, patient advocates, other language service providers, and professionals who have experience in interpreter certification processes.

It is anticipated that other organizations across the globe that have a valid certification process to help further recognize the status of the certified medical interpreter will also be able to use the CMI designation . The GAC and possibly other independent organizations will be looked upon to assist with developing benchmark criteria for assessing certification processes.

"As the founder and largest provider of language solutions, Language Line Services has a long-standing history of adding value to the development of the interpreter profession through enhanced standards and additional training opportunities," said Winnie Heh, Language Line Services' VP of Global Operations and Provost of Language Line University.

"The credentialing of certified medical interpreters by Language Line University represents our ongoing commitment to improve the quality of healthcare provided to LEP patients."

"The CMI designation is an important professional development tool for the growing medical interpreting industry and a vehicle for raising awareness about the vital role of the interpreting profession in the delivery of quality healthcare," said Ying Shi, who has a Ph.D. in Biology and is a Mandarin-speaking medical interpreter. "It underscores the value and distinction certification brings to the skill set of a medical interpreter."

About Language Line University

Language Line University is the globally recognized interpreter testing, training and certification division of Language Line Services, the leading provider of language-based services and solutions. Language Line Services is a trusted partner to thousands of organizations whose focus is to effectively serve the rapidly expanding market of limited English proficient speakers.

The company delivers a dynamic suite of solutions spanning phone, on-site and video interpreting, translation, transcription, localization and localized software and devices and the only medical interpreter certification program that is externally validated. Through its leading-edge technology infrastructure, Language Line Services provides support for more than 170 spoken languages and American Sign Language to its industry-leading portfolio of clients across markets including health care, financial services, government, telecom, manufacturing, insurance, entertainment, travel, and more.

For information on how Language Line Services is helping clients achieve their strategic multi-cultural marketing and regulatory compliance objectives, please call 1-800-752-6096.