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Speaking of Language
Our team has a lot to say on the subject of language, along with the people, processes and technologies that surround it. Our thoughts are collected here, with frequent additions to keep the conversation fresh. Check back often for new posts, and Contact Us with any questions or topic ideas. Posts are displayed by date with the most recent first. To narrow down by topic, please use the categories to the right.
Guest Blog: Federal Exclusion
Category: Compliance
We at Vocalink Global are happy to introduce a guest blogger. Jon McCollum is the founder of Verify Comply, the federal and state exclusion and debarment screening. Prior to founding Verify Comply, Jon served as the Corporate Compliance Officer at one of the nation’s largest medical billing and practice management companies. Jon studied Computer Science at The University of North Texas, is a Microsoft Certified Professional, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a Certified Compliance Professional. Jon is also a member
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is charged with the investigation of complaints of discrimination by health care facilities that receive federal financial assistance (including accepting Medicare/Medicaid funds). The enforcement process begins with a complaint, usually from a patient or group of patients, who are often supported by an advocacy group or represented by a lawyer. Often times, the process ends with a “Voluntary Resolution Agreement,” which is essentially a
Collins v. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Part II – Tips for Avoiding “Win = Loss” Cases In my last blog, I discussed the Collins v. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center decision. In that case, the Court found that a hospital and doctor properly accommodated a deaf patient without providing her with an ASL interpreter. The focus of the previous blog was to highlight the fact that, even though the hospital and doctor “won” in court, they still “lost” in terms of the time and
Many people are confused about the difference between Translations and Interpreting, I know I was. When we look at linguistics management, we need to look at how we manage and identify the difference between TRANSLATION and INTERPRETATION. I think that most people will agree that Translation is the process of translating words or text from one language to another. Well, that’s what is says on-line so I’m pretty comfortable with that one. I think most people use the
How Can a Smart Phone Lead to HIPAA Compliance?
Category: Company News & Events, Industry News, Interpreting
Vocalink uses a sophisticated – but easy-to-use – electronic system for interpreters checking-in and checking-out of interpreting appointments. This system, called “UClock,” uses smart phone technology to allow health system staff to sign an interpreter in and out of an appointment and certify that the appointment was completed. Beyond providing to-the-minute accuracy for interpreting encounters, the UClock system actually helps ensure HIPAA compliance. How is that possible? First, let’s look at the “protected health information”
I cannot count how many localization orders or quote requests have been received with just two questions: “how much is the cost?”, and “when can you deliver?”. Why do many clients and providers deal with localization as if it is a Coke and should have the same specifications, taste, look, and color everywhere? Why is the service of adaptation and customization being treated as a packaged product when it most certainly is not? Localization involves more than translation. Localization is a
This June, Vocalink is organizing two Open Job Interview events dedicated to those seeking a career as interpreters. Vocalink professionals will be on site to orient future interpreters and provide guidelines on how to become a professional in this area of linguistic expertise. The two fairs will be held in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, and you can email us for detailed information at interpreting@vocalink.net, or call 937-223-1415 OPEN JOB INTERVIEW EVENT June 11, 11 am to 5
Newsflash: Second Class Community Interpreter Training
Category: Company News & Events, Interpreting
On April 19th, Vocalink starts another The Community Interpreter training (TCI) in Cincinnati. Led by our certified trainer, Fern Leland. TCI is the most exciting, comprehensive foundation program in community interpreting in the U.S. and perhaps the world. It offers the only comprehensive textbook in the field. It represents the most topical, up-to-date approach to community and public service interpreting in the U.S. Fern will focus on medical, educational and social services audiences addressing all
On Thursday, February 23rd, a number of press releases announced that one of the two certifying bodies of medical interpreters in the United States, the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI), had merged with the oldest international medical interpreters association, the IMIA. In my opinion, this disappointing and not at all surprising fusion, clearly defined by its precursors as a “significant strategic move”, claims to be intended to further the profession of interpreting. However, this statement
I am a student of the science of customer service. Since I was a kid I have been intrigued by finding ways of making something better, or easier. No bones about it, much of this came from being lazy really… I would daydream schemes of how to turn in my homework without actually doing it. Or how to change a channel on the tv without getting up from my seat. My dad actually invented a
