MultiCare Health Systems to Overhaul Interpreter Services Following Civil Rights Investigation

In response to a U. S. Attorney's Office investigation, MultiCare Health Systems of Washington is set to overhaul its interpreter services following civil rights violations affecting deaf-blind patients. The investigation found that these patients did not receive adequate interpreter assistance before and after surgeries, causing significant distress. As part of the settlement, MultiCare will allocate over $2 million in compensation, providing $100,000 to each patient and $40,000 to family members who served as interpreters.

The health system will appoint a coordinator to ensure proper interpreter services and will implement comprehensive training for employees on the needs of deaf and deaf-blind patients. Additionally, information about available interpreter services will be added to MultiCare's website and employee handbooks. The agreement, effective for three years, mandates quarterly reporting to the U. S. Attorney's Office and Health and Human Services.

This settlement represents a crucial step toward improving healthcare access for individuals with disabilities and addressing systemic communication issues in healthcare.