SEC. 1224. DEFINITIONS.

In this subtitle:

[1] BILINGUAL- The term 'bilingual' with respect to an individual means a person who has sufficient degree of proficiency in two languages and can ensure effective communication can occur in both languages.

[2] COMPETENT INTERPRETER SERVICES- The term 'competent interpreter services' means a trans-language rendition of a spoken message in which the interpreter comprehends the source language and can speak comprehensively in the target language to convey the meaning intended in the source language. The interpreter knows health and health-related terminology and provides accurate interpretations by choosing equivalent expressions that convey the best matching and meaning to the source language and captures, to the greatest possible extent, all nuances intended in the source message.

[3] COMPETENT TRANSLATION SERVICES- The term 'competent translation services' means a trans-language rendition of a written document in which the translator comprehends the source language and can write comprehensively in the target language to convey the meaning intended in the source language. The translator knows health and health-related terminology and provides accurate translations by choosing equivalent expressions that convey the best matching and meaning to the source language and captures, to the greatest possible extent, all nuances intended in the source document.

[4] EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION- The term 'effective communication' means an exchange of information between the provider of health care or health care-related services and the limited English proficient recipient of such services that enables limited English proficient individuals to access, understand, and benefit from health care or health care-related services.

[5] INTERPRETING/INTERPRETATION- The terms 'interpreting' and 'interpretation' mean the transmission of a spoken message from one language into another, faithfully, accurately, and objectively.

[6] HEALTH CARE SERVICES- The term 'health care services' means services that address physical as well as mental health conditions in all care settings.

[7] HEALTH CARE-RELATED SERVICES- The term 'health care-related services' means human or social services programs or activities that provide access, referrals or links to health care.

[8] LANGUAGE ACCESS- The term 'language access' means the provision of language services to an LEP individual designed to enhance that individual's access to, understanding of or benefit from health care or health care-related services.

[9] LANGUAGE SERVICES- The term 'language services' means provision of health care services directly in a non-English language, interpretation, translation, and non-English signage.

[10] LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT- The term 'limited English proficient' or 'LEP' with respect to an individual means an individual who speaks a primary language other than English and who cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits the individual to effectively communicate with clinical or nonclinical staff at an entity providing health care or health care related services.

[11] MEDICARE BENEFICIARY- The term 'Medicare beneficiary' means an individual entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act or enrolled under part B of such title.

[12] MEDICARE PROGRAM- The term 'Medicare program' means the programs under parts A through D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

[13] SERVICE PROVIDER- The term 'service provider' includes all suppliers, providers of services, or entities under contract to provide coverage, items or services under any part of title XVIII of the Social Security Act.