MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
22-552 Meet Members' Language Needs with the Language Assistance Program
Health Net·CA·Provider News
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
CalViva Health and Health Net have implemented a Language Assistance Program (LAP) for hospitals serving Medi-Cal members in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties. Hospitals must provide qualified interpreter services for members with limited English proficiency, hearing impairments, or diverse cultural backgrounds, and cannot rely on family members, minors, or unqualified staff for interpretation except in specific emergency situations.
Action Required
Immediately: Hospital billing and patient service teams must ensure qualified interpreter services are available for Medi-Cal members who need language assistance. Contact the number on member ID cards if hospital cannot provide interpreter support. Document any emergency use of attending adults as interpreters in medical records with justification. Consider enrolling staff in free cultural competency training at cccm.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov.