Section 1557 Compliance Requirements

October 26, 2016

Requirements Made Simple

Section 1557, the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act, requires covered entities, including Medicare/Medicaid participating hospitals, pharmacies, and health plans, to adhere to specific interpretation and translation requirements to meet quality standards ensuring meaningful access to care for Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing populations. LanguageLine, a MedMal Direct partner, provides a full suite of solutions to support compliance. MedMal Direct Policyholders are eligible for discounts with LanguageLine. 

Section 1557 Requirements:

  • Organizations must utilize qualified interpreters and bans the use of non-qualified persons as medical interpreters such as:

    • bilingual staff without formal training
    • minor children
    • adult family members and friends except in very limited circumstances as described in Section 1557
  • Prohibits using low-quality video remote interpreting services.
  • Requires effective communication for individuals with disabilities,including patients and their companions, utilizing auxiliary aids and service, such as qualified sign language interpreters.
  • Post taglines in at least top 15 languages, by state. Post Notices of Nondiscrimination.
  • Requires effective communication for individuals with disabilities, including patients and their companions, utilizing auxiliary aids and service, such as large print materials.
  • Take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to individuals outside of those who actually walk into or contact the entity.
  • Keep records and submit compliance reports to HHS Office of Civil Rights.

Contact your local representative for more information or call 904.482.4068 to learn more.

You can also download the 1557 Rule Flyer (which includes the top 15 languages) from the front page of our website.