The Language Access Policy (PDF) directs PHSA staff on the appropriate use of language services to reduce or eliminate language barriers to optimize safe and equitable care delivery. 

Accessing Interpreting and Translation Services (PDF) protocols were developed to support the Provincial Health Service Authority Language Access Policy, which directs PHSA staff on using language services to reduce or eliminate language barriers that may negatively impact patient safety and/or be a barrier to delivering equitable care.

During consent to health care discussions, a qualified interpreter and translator are to be used to gain consent should there be a language barrier between PHSA staff and the patient or patient’s spouse, or any near relatives or close friends who accompany the patient and offer their assistance. For Indigenous languages, an Indigenous patient liaison or elder may assist with consent in lieu of a qualified interpreter. Please refer to PHSA’s Consent to Health Care Policy.

All patient information collected during an interpreting or translation request is deemed and will remain confidential. Information is only disclosed to those directly responsible for carrying out all aspects of the service provision. All matters covered by this policy are subject to PHSA’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy (PDF).

Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing individuals have a legal right to access sign language interpreters, intervenors and Computer-Assisted Remote Translation (CART) services at medical appointments following a 1997 Supreme Court of Canada rule that sign language interpreting must be provided to Deaf patients in B.C. to comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Please read more on Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing legal rights.