Attention providers: Sign Language Remote Interpretering

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 04/01/2020 03:00 PM PDT

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Remote interpreting for sign language interpreters

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has implemented an emergency policy change to allow local sign language interpreters to provide access through your video conference technology. Effective immediately, sign language interpreters may participate in your healthcare appointments, including telemedicine/telehealth appointments, using whichever remote option your office utilizes.

How do I request a remote sign language interpreter for Medicaid clients?

In order to have a sign language interpreter participate remotely, you must:

Submit your request through ProviderOne Prior Authorization
Attach the completed DSHS 17-123b form.
Include a note on the DSHS 17-123b form stating the appointment needs to be conducted remotely and what program/application you will be using:
- GoToMeeting, Zoom, Skype, etc.
The note must be included at the top or bottom of the form.

Once the Health Care Authority (HCA) processes the request and sends it to be filled, you will be contacted directly from the sign language agency or independent contractor. You must work directly with the sign language agency or independent contractor to provide any links or technical assistance needed from them to join the healthcare appointment.

What about already scheduled appointments?

If you already have an appointment scheduled, the sign language agency will contact you to find out if the appointment will be conducted remotely and to get the link or other information needed to participate.

How do I schedule for DeafBlind clients?

For appointments with DeafBlind clients, two interpreters will be provided. The hearing interpreter and Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). The hearing interpreter will participate remotely. The CDI is an essential staff and will be in the same location with the DeafBlind client.

You must send meeting invitations to both interpreters. The sign language interpreter referral agencies will help coordinate this. If you have questions or need assistance, you must contact the sign language interpreter referral agency.

To view a flow chart of the visual process and for additional information, please visit the DSHS Sign Language Interpreters webpage.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.