How to Deliver HIPAA-Compliant Multilingual Care: 3 Essential Strategies for Healthcare Providers
Originally featured in Hit Consultant, this article by Ad Astra’s CEO, Elena Petrova, offers practical insights for healthcare organizations looking to improve patient experience and compliance in today’s multilingual care environment.
Why Language Access and HIPAA Compliance Go Hand-in-Hand
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey , nearly 29.6 million people in the U.S. have Limited English Proficiency (LEP)—that’s more than 8% of the population. These patients face significant healthcare disparities according to the AMA Journal of Ethics, including higher risks of medical errors, longer hospital stays, and misunderstandings in care.
For healthcare providers, this makes HIPAA-compliant language access not just a regulatory issue—but a patient safety and equity imperative.
Strategy 1: Build a HIPAA Compliance Checklist for Language Services
A comprehensive checklist keeps language access aligned with data privacy laws. Healthcare providers should:
-
Verify interpreter qualifications, including training in HIPAA, medical terminology, and cultural nuance
-
Train staff on proper workflows for interpreter use and privacy protocols
-
Audit telehealth and interpreting platforms to ensure they meet HIPAA standards for secure communications
Strategy 2: Define Best Practices for Multilingual Communication
Organizations need operational protocols that balance quality care and compliance. Start with:
-
Regular HIPAA training for linguists
-
Auditing translation and interpreting sessions
-
Using secure messaging platforms for multilingual patient communication
-
Partnering with LSPs who provide trained, vetted linguists in high- and low-resource languages
Ad Astra provides interpreters trained in both healthcare and HIPAA protocols across 300+ languages.
Strategy 3: Evaluate the Technology Behind Your Language Access
The rise of telehealth interpretation brings new challenges and opportunities. When evaluating platforms for VRI or multilingual patient communication, healthcare providers should ensure:
-
End-to-end encryption for video/audio sessions
-
Two-factor authentication for interpreter access
-
Secure storage of interpreted or translated data
-
Integration with HIPAA-compliant telehealth tools
AdAstraConnect offers HIPAA-compliant VRI and OPI services that integrate with existing healthcare systems.
Final Thoughts: HIPAA Compliance is a Multilingual Responsibility
As the U.S. healthcare system continues to evolve, language access must evolve with it. By developing internal safeguards, using secure platforms, and partnering with qualified, HIPAA-aware interpreters, healthcare providers can improve outcomes for LEP patients—and protect their organizations from risk.
About the Author
Elena Petrova is the Founder and CEO of Ad Astra, a trusted leader in cross-cultural communication and language access services. With two decades of experience, she is a recognized expert in building HIPAA-compliant language access solutions for healthcare, government, and industry.
Let’s Talk About Your Language Access Strategy
Ad Astra partners with healthcare organizations to implement secure, culturally competent language services that meet today’s compliance and care standards.