For Contracted Providers

Important Notice about SB 853 Language Assistance Program

Effective January 1, 2009 California law requires health plans to establish and support a Language Assistance Program (LAP) for limited English proficient (LEP) enrollees.

If you have a patient that was referred to you from MemorialCare Medical Group that requires interpreter services or documents translated you can access the LAP at the patient's health plan.

Contact the Member Services number on the back of the patient's insurance card to request interpreter services or translation of documents on the patient's behalf.

It is also best practice to document in the patient's medical record if they refuse interpreter services.

It is also recommended to document in the patient's medical record if they insist on using a family member or friend to interpret rather than a professionally trained interpreter.