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Health board approves LanguageLine contract for interpreter services; staff note per-minute costs
Summary
The board approved contracting with LanguageLine for on-demand interpretation (three-way calls or video). Staff said current rates are $3.95 per minute for audio and $4.95 for video and plan to supplement with community interpreters where possible.
The Vernon County Health Department presented a plan to contract with LanguageLine for interpreter services to improve access for patients with limited English proficiency. The department said the service can be used in three-way phone calls, by video, and for accessibility needs (e.g., deaf patients). A local community member trained in health-care interpretation was identified as an additional resource for Spanish speakers.
During the discussion staff explained billing logistics (a six-digit code required for billing through LanguageLine) and discussed why an app-based approach was less practical because of connectivity and compliance concerns. "Current prices are $3.95 a minute for audio and $4.95 for video," staff said when summarizing expected costs.
A motion to approve contracting with LanguageLine (motion by Frank) was made and seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said they will contact LanguageLine to obtain the billing code and will continue to use community interpreters for planned events as appropriate.
