Language barriers should never be the deciding factor between life and death and this policy is going to ensure that. 

Instead of hospitals relying on professional interpreters, it is more common that they rely on nonprofessionals such as family members. This is a risk factor however because family members may not be knowledgeable about medical terminology and a patient may not be comfortable telling a family member the full extent of what is going on with their health. 

A patient who is unable to communicate with their provider due to language barriers should not be susceptible to this. Other states have implemented policies to better ensure that situations like these do not happen and it demonstrates the positive effect of having them. 

This is why I am asking that there is a policy implemented within Wisconsin hospitals that guarantees a professional interpreter available for patients at all times in emergency rooms. I ask that this is implemented so that Wisconsin hospital emergency rooms will reduce morbidity and mortality due to miscommunication between patient and provider. I ask that the patients are provided with better patient satisfaction and that this target population can experience an improved quality of life. 

I ask that mistakes are actively prevented from happening concerning all patient care and the substantial problems are solved which involve issues surrounding informed consent and documentation. I ask that unbiased professional interpreters are hired in order to guarantee cultural competence and provide accurate and quality interpretation services that are vital and that family members and close friends cannot provide.