NV SB188

Health facilities and providers must take reasonable steps to ensure language barriers do not prevent persons with limited English proficiency from obtaining necessary health care, with language assistance services provided free of charge, accurately, and in a timely manner

Qualified interpreters and translators must demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language, plus the ability to interpret or translate effectively, accurately, and impartially using specialized vocabulary without changes or omissions

Health facilities and providers are prohibited from requiring patients with limited English proficiency to provide their own interpreter or pay interpreter costs, and may not use unqualified adults, children under 18, or unqualified staff as interpreters except in temporary emergencies or at the patient's documented request

Machine-translated documents relating to patient rights, services, health care access, or complex/technical content must be reviewed by a qualified translator before use

Violations may result in administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day for health facilities, license suspension or revocation, and professional discipline for individual providers through their licensing boards