Principles and Standards

Ethical Principles are intermediate ethical concepts that provide more specific behavioral guidance. The ethical principles of the healthcare interpreting profession describe the essential behaviors and responsibilities of healthcare interpreting practitioners. They offer guidance when choosing which behavior is ethically most appropriate in a given situation.

Standards of Practice are the most specific level of professional guidelines, detailing specific actions that Interpreters take to put into practice the ethical principles of the profession.

The Eleven Principles

1. Accuracy and Completeness

Healthcare interpreters render the meaning of messages accurately and completely taking into consideration the relationship between language and culture.

2. Effective Communication

Healthcare Interpreters manage the social, interpersonal and intercultural dynamics of communication.

3. Confidentiality

Interpreters treat as confidential all patient information learned in their professional practice, while observing relevant legal or institutional requirements regarding disclosure.

4. Equitable Practice

Interpreters treat all participants fairly, objectively, and without bias.

5. Respect

Interpreters treat all parties with respect, honoring each party's dignity, privacy, cultural values, individual autonomy, and areas of expertise.

6. Cultural Competence

Healthcare interpreters develop and apply their knowledge, skills, and understanding of culture, the relationship between culture and language, and how one's cultural affiliations influence one's beliefs and behaviors.

7. Professionalism

Interpreters act with integrity, accountability, competence, and respect for others, demonstrating a strong work ethic in line with the ethical values and principles of the profession.

8. Continuing Professional Development

Interpreters engage in continuing professional development in order to achieve and maintain the highest levels of performance and to successfully adapt to changing circumstances and technology.

9. Advocacy

Healthcare Interpreters may engage in acts of advocacy when there is objective and verifiable evidence of risk for serious, imminent, avoidable, physical or emotional harm to a person that remains unaddressed.

10. Health and Wellness

Healthcare interpreters maintain and restore their overall physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.

11. Scope of Practice

Healthcare interpreters maintain fidelity to the ethical principles and values established by our profession.