Language Services
How providers and staff can request services
The following is the latest information on our services and how to obtain them:
- Vendor over-the-phone (310-267-8001 option 3) and video-remote (blue Cyracom iPad carts) interpretation services remain accessible 24/7.
- Additionally, UCLA staff interpreters are available via MyChart Video Visit, Zoom, and telephone:
Spanish
- UCLA staff Spanish interpreters are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, to provide service via MyChart Video Visit, Zoom, and telephone.
Whenever possible, please submit requests 48 hours in advance.
- If you need a Spanish staff interpreter for a MyChart Video Visit or Zoom meeting taking place during business hours, please submit the online request form.
- If you need a Spanish interpreter for a scheduled Zoom meeting after-hours, including weekends, a request needs to be submitted in advance using the online request form, during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Languages Other than Spanish (including American Sign Language)
- Interpretation services for MyChart Video Visits are currently not available for languages other than Spanish. We suggest converting these encounters to phone or Zoom if an interpreter is needed.
- If you need an interpreter for a scheduled Zoom meeting in a language other than Spanish (including after-hours and weekends) a request needs to be submitted in advance using the online request form, during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Click here for information on regulations and guidance on communicating with Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing Patients and their Caregivers.
Interpretation Services for Last-minute Zoom Meetings
- Interpretation services for last-minute Zoom meetings are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the following languages: Spanish, American Sign Language, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Vietnamese. To obtain this service, please contact us at 310-267-8001 and select option 1.
**For critical or exceptional cases where an in-person interpreter is imperative to the communication, please contact us.
Additional Resources
- MyChart Video Visit Tip Sheet
- Hoja informativa para videoconsultas por MyChart - Español
- Language Services Policy - coming soon
American Sign Language
Deaf & Hard Of Hearing Patients:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters, TDDs, and other services are available free of charge, to ensure effective communication between staff, patients and patients' families.
- UCLA currently has an American Sign Language (ASL) Medical Interpreter on their staff and contracts for other communication support services as needed.
- If you need an American Sign Language interpreter, please submit the online request form.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
- Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act covers places of public accommodation and public entities, regardless of whether that entity receives federal financial assistance.
- A public accommodation shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities.
- Legal mandates require that American Sign Language interpretation services be provided for family members, friends, and caregivers who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing, even if the patient does not require an interpreter,
Aids and services include:
- Qualified interpreters
- Pen and paper
- Telephonic device for the deaf
- Video
- TDD Relay Service by dialing 711
The State Assembly Bill (AB) 775
- Prohibits the use of children as interpreters in communicating medical diagnoses or treatment in hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices that receive state funding.
- The bill requires medical entities to have an established procedure for competent interpretation services that do not require the use of children.
- Violations of these provisions may result in the loss of state funding and cancellation of state contracts to the offending institution.
- Children are often traumatized when they are forced to interpret sensitive medical information to their family members.
- The use of an untrained interpreter, particularly the use of a child who may not even have basic knowledge about parts of the body, disease, or symptoms, can have dire consequences.
Using Family, Friends, Minors, Untrained Volunteers, Strangers, and Other Patients:
- May result in breach of confidentiality.
- May result in patients being reluctant to fully disclose critical information.
- Increase hospital liability due to use of individuals who are not qualified.
- May result in additions, omissions, and changes in information.
- May result in misinterpretation due to lack of adequate technical vocabulary.