The Interpreter's Code of Ethics

Professional interpreters follow a Code of Ethics, which guides their behavior and sets rules for what they can and cannot do when they are working. Like the medical and legal professions, situations come up which can lead to conflicts and ethical dilemmas.

Following a Code of Ethics helps an interpreter to always treat clients in a fair and equal manner.

The California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) , funded by a grant from The California Endowment, published the California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters: Ethical Principles, Protocols, and Guidance on Roles & Intervention. It is adhered to by healthcare interpreting professionals and is the foundation for training programs.

Confidentiality. Interpreters treat all information learned during the interpreting session as confidential.
Impartiality. Interpreters identify any conflicts of interest and refrain from personal judgments, beliefs, or opinions that may affect the quality and accuracy of their performance.
Respect for Individuals and their Communities. Interpreters strive to treat all parties equally and respectfully, and refrain from influencing patient decisions and healthcare choices. Interpreters empower clients to make own healthcare decisions.
Professionalism and Integrity. Interpreters conduct themselves according to professional standards and ethical principles of the healthcare interpreting profession.
Accuracy and Completeness. Interpreters transmit the content, spirit, and cultural context of the original message into the other language, without omitting, modifying, or editing information, making it possible for the patient and provider to communicate effectively.
Cultural Responsiveness. Interpreters seek to understand how diversity and cultural similarities and differences have an impact on the healthcare encounter. Interpreters play a critical role in identifying cultural issues and deciding how and when to move to a cultural clarifier role.

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