International Medical Interpreters Association 2013 Annual Report

Transcription

1 International Medical Interpreters Association 2013 Annual Report January 18, 2014

2 IMIA Vision The International Medical Interpreters Association is a US-based international organization committed to the advancement of professional medical interpreters as the best practice to equitable language access to health care for linguistically diverse patients. Message from the IMIA President Dear members, It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve as your president in The IMIA provides a wonderful opportunity to learn and network with colleagues who passionately advocate for language access has been an outstanding year for the IMIA. Thanks to the diligent efforts of several volunteers within the IMIA. We have advanced the IMIA vision in so many ways. In addition to the Lifelong Learning Webinar Series and the Leadership Academy, there are two new initiatives that should be highlighted this year: The Accreditation Commission for Medical Interpreter Educational Programs (ACMIEP), and the IMIA Terminology Resources Database (ITRD). The National Board also finalized a very large project: to expand the certification from one oral exam language to offer five new languages (Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, Cantonese, and Mandarin). I would like to thank all our speakers, sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible. I invite you to take the opportunity to visit our booth and register in one of our committees or divisions. Your participation is essential to advance the medical interpreting profession. You make a difference. We also thank our colleagues who have been gracious to spread the news about our to interpreters not associated with the IMIA. Join our mailing list! I wish all attendees a successful conference. Sincerely, Lola Bendana IMIA President 2

3 IMIA needs volunteers. It is up to each of us to promote ourselves and our profession. If we don t, who will? Take every opportunity; every encounter is an opportunity to educate the provider and patient about our training, the demands of our work, and how certification is imperative to ensure competency and patient safety. Post on facebook, get your friends and family to understand what medical interpreters do and why it is important that they support reimbursement. 3

4 IMIA DIVISIONS Certified Interpreters (CI) Division The CI Division serves as a portal for all certified interpreters by CCHI, National Board, or RID, where they share concerns, thoughts, and ideas. The division was re-structured with new leadership mid 2013, and it has scheduled monthly conference calls. We identified several concerns raised by certified members and worked out solutions. For example, regarding employers' recognition of the CHI & CMI credentials, the division prepared an official letter that can be addressed and sent to employers. In addition, members were advised to update their registration information at the IMIA Registry and add their certification credentials in order to have them reflected on their membership ID cards. 4

5 Another concern was how to maintain the certification credentials and how to earn CEUs. Interpreters were directed to the training directory of the IMIA where they can locate both on-site and online training. Also, the ATA and the CCHI list their training opportunities. With the help of two member volunteers and the chair, the division will start including a one-page quarterly update to all members starting the first quarter in CIDivision@imiaweb.org Minority Language Division We created a survey on Minority Language usage, issues etc. to send to interpreter service providers. We are working on the MLD's presentation for the IMIA Conference. Interpreter Service Provider (ISP) Division ISP interviews and features are conducted on a monthly basis (submitted by Cynthia Schenck) ISP Division leaders have given several presentations on ISP Certification, allowing interpreter service providers to distinguish themselves. The ISP Division was able to increase the number of ISP reps to an organization from three to five. The ISP Division has seen growth US REGIONAL CHAPTERS Important advancements were made in the US Chapters expanding the reach and impact of the IMIA U.S. State Chapter Infrastructure advancing professionalization of medical interpreting at the state level increasing the IMIA membership through the state campaigns, interactive on-line forums and professional events consolidating state stakeholder efforts in providing meaningful healthcare access to the LEP patients elevating awareness of National Certification for Medical Interpreters 12 monthly State Chapter Chair meetings addressing the needs of local chapters, and discussing the new MI developments with the leading industry experts Multiple by-monthly meetings with the IMIA members at the state level Working with the Health Departments in New York and North Carolina to introduce Medicaid Coverage for Language Interpreting Services Collaborating with the Health Insurance Providers In Tennessee and Utah to address to needs of LEP populations Colorado Chapter IMIA Colorado has 24 current members. In May this year The Colorado Chair met with the Department of Health to introduce herself and did a presentation about what IMIA is about. In the same note, several calls were made to various Interpreter Agencies (we have more than 70 in Colorado) and contacted the 5 major hospitals to personally introduce the Colorado Chair. Colorado Chair did IMIA presentations at: The Community College of Aurora (Interpreter and Translators Class), Aurora Public Schools (ESS and ELA Interprets) and at Mile High Multilingual Services (Bridging the Gap Interpreter Training). We had the first meeting on July 13 in Denver. During the meeting the importance and mechanisms for Certification were discussed. A conference call was held with a National Board Member to attend specific questions of the participants. Also the latest news of the IMIA and the national board of certification were discussed. Colorado chapter welcomed Dr. Lizbeth Mendoza as the vice-chair in September Three work sessions have been held between the Chair and Vice-chair to elaborate on a plan of action to increase the visibility of the IMIA in Colorado. 5

6 Our goals are: 1) Increase the number of IMIA members in Colorado 2) Increase the number of Certified Interpreters in Colorado 3) Increase the educational opportunities for medical interpreters of Colorado 4) Disseminate the current status of the Medical Interpreting Profession within the health care providers in Colorado (education for the providers) 5) Disseminate the current status of the Medical Interpreting Profession within the general public in Colorado 6) Bring IMIA Conferences to Colorado Delaware Chapter 1. Members and those interested in the medical interpreting profession met three times this year: a. Meeting on March 17, 2013: we explored how activities to promote membership and certification. b. Meeting on August 24, 2913: Most of the participants are interested in training and we talk about the possibility of bringing an IMIA workshop to Delaware next year. Also, the makings of a mini-conference was discussed. c. Networking on November 23, 2013: we had a merry time and exchanged alot of information at our networking last month. The was more talk about training and certification. 2. This year we welcomed our Chapter Vice-Chair, Leah DaPonte. 3. The chapter chair is currently working in two projects: a. A brochure to inform parents about the rights to have interpreters during doctor's consultations regarding their children, requested by the Parent Information Center in Georgetown, DE b. A presentation on cultural competency to staff at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington DE, requested by the Patient Navigator. Florida Chapter continued answering requests for information from current and potential members regarding the profession in the State assisted two municipalities in Flagler and Palm Beach Counties in educating their staff in interpretation and translation services in line with Federal regulations. as part of the staff of a municipality in Palm Beach County, I serve as the official Spanish Interpreter and Translator for the City, as well as the Foreign Language Communications Coordinator for the city's emergency management plan. New York Chapter numerous presentations on:national Certification, Best practices in improving provider-lep patient communication, Medicaid Coverage Language Interpreting Services, and the ACA & LEP populations group advancing relationship Hospital Associations, Health Insurance providers and Advocacy Groups to address the needs of LEP populations creating a Network of the Minority Language Champions to address unique professional needs of Interpreters working in minority languages advocating for the ISP accreditation joint programs with the regional hospitals on implementing Language Assistance Plans mini-boot camps on advancing professional career as a medical interpreter assisting individual interpreters who work in minority languages 6

7 Ohio Chapter Presentations, meetings, workshops, s, awareness and orientations about the IMIA and National Certification : ongoing Following up and answering all of the s received at the Ohio State IMIA Chapter with continuous follow-up s inviting non members to become members and non-certified members to become certified by guiding and advising interpreters who are inquiring for help. Creating detailed s and sending them on a regular basis to most interpretation agencies, hospitals, and public libraries all over Ohio advertising about:-imia goal and mission -Steps on becoming nationally certified Membership-Free Webinars. This is ongoing Collaboration with the Interpretation Program Coordinator of the Supreme Court of Ohio as a trusted community resource in spreading out info about IMIA and National Certification by spreading out mass s to the community-this is ongoing. Communicating and providing detailed information about National Certification and the IMIA to most hospitals all over the Ohio region. Contacting most of the hospitals in Cleveland inquiring about the possibility of their collaboration in approving a presentation about the IMIA and the National Certification The IMIA gave a presentation about National Certification at Kent State University located at 800 E Summit St Kent, OH to students from the Modern & Classical Language Studies department (MCLS). IMIA communicated through several s and direct communication and was able to reserve two spots for community training opportunities in Dublin, Ohio Timing was delayed to March of 2014.Please see the advertised ad below for the two upcoming training opportunities to be presented by the Chapter Chair. Wiscounsin Chapter Contacts made with area hospitals and interpreters to encourage and enroll in certification process. Many hospitals are using telephonic services because of budget problems Presentations on IMIA and role of certified interpreters at 3 different conferences, Madison, Milwaukee and Janesville Participation in interpreter/mental health conferences in Milwaukee and Madison Supported training of refugee language interpreters in Milwaukee with the International Institute of Wisconsin contacts made with past and current members (21 members on roster) Networking with members and local organizations to begin organizing half day conference Networking with University of Whitewater and the Viterbo to provide further training opportunities and shadowing experiences for language students interested in medical interpreting Collaboration with state of WI Certified Court Interpreter program to encourage training and certification of interpreters and support for interpreters of languages of lesser diffusion Application presented for Vice Chair position, pending reply 7

8 INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS The year 2013 was characterized by further progress as far as international activities are concerned. A token of this advancement is proven by the expansion of the Chapters outside the U.S., with the IMIA being now represented in two more Countries (Egypt and Costa Rica), which brings the number of international Chapters to 12. The Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics continue to be translated into more languages, as resources become available. This brings more visibility to the IMIA around the globe, and contributes to developing medical interpreting worldwide. Plans are underway to have our First Asia International Symposium on November 2014 in Tokyo, Japan which will include the participation of Thailand, Korea, China, and other Asian countries besides Japan, the first established IMIA Asian Chapter. 8

9 IMIA Promotes Professionalism Through our facebook posts, s, and multiple codes of ethics, the IMIA is attempting to promote a higher level of professionalism from all medical interpreters. You will be hearing more about this in If we are to be seen as a profession, we need to portray a polished professional demeaner, in our appearance, credentials, written and oral communication, and skills set. Let s work together to demonstrate to the world that we are professionals who perform a difficult profession where life and death is at stake. 9

10 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 2013 Report A Division of the IMIA Goals of the National Board: Advance national certification as a mainstream requirement of the profession and promote certification as part of the necessary skill set for medical interpreters. Increase access by moving to an exam delivery system from home computers using technology Support international certification Accreditation: The National Board was accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as of Dec., 2012 and officially notified on Jan. 9, This accreditation is good until Dec. 31, The annual report submitted in 2013 was accepted by the NCCA. Exam Delivery: Demand for testing and certification through the National Board of the IMIA is expected to increase over the next three years. California requires it now for their workers compensation interpreters, Oregon requires it for interpreters in their CCO s in 2014, and other states will be following this lead. Numerous health care entities are already requiring certification for their staff interpreters and for new hires. The National Board foresees that certification for interpreters will more and more be a requirement for Health Care entities, US states, and eventually the federal government. The National Board is seeing a marked increase in registrations from California and Oregon because of their requirements. The National Board has launched five new languages for its oral exam: along with Spanish there is Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese. The National Board is continuously working to expand easy access to the exams. The written exam is currently offered at hundreds of sites through PSI. The oral exam is offered in over 60 sites in the U.S. and Canada year round. The goal is to expand access to the exam through online proctoring. This way the exam may be delivered anywhere, any place, any time. Testing Statistics: In 2013 the National Board delivered a total of 914 written exams, an average of 76 a month, and 635 oral exams, an average of 53 a month. The record number of exams given in one month was in December, when 77 oral exams and 147 written exams were delivered in the three weeks before the holidays. To date, there are 950 interpreters who hold the credential Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI). In addition, 2890 interpreters have passed the written exam. Why Take the National Board Exams? The National Board exams were the pioneers of national certification and continue to pioneer on demand scheduling, more testing sites and languages, and in the future, online proctoring. The National Board has the most languages available, involves a rigorous program, the only one that requires both written and oral exams to be passed to be handed out a credential. Its certification also lasts longer, as recertification is required only every five years, and not four. Become a credentialed professional. Take the Written Exam! It s in English. Put on your resume. What is your excuse not to? In Addition, Oral Examination Languages Available: Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish 10

11 IMIA COMMITTEES Terminology Committee The terminology committee has met every month during the year and has been working on developing the IMIA Terminology Resource Database (ITRD) and members have been entering resources (glossaries, dictionaries, etc) available in several language(s) and in various specialties of medicine and healthcare. The database will be launched at the conference January Medical interpreters will be allowed to search for resources as well as submit new resources in different languages or topics related to their work. Education Committee working to streamline the CEU approval/acquisition process through an internal Subcommittee developing framework to accredit Interpreter Training Institutions to issue CEUs for offered educational programs contingent on adherence to IMIA protocols/standards improving method through which legitimate webinar attendees will receive CEU credit through a planned survey response/tally process and also ensuring reception of E-certificates of attendance re-working the language on some IMIA web publications/pages to avoid ambiguity and ensure transparency e.g. CEU calculation rubric breakdown/explanation/checklist enews Committee Enews committee is happy to report that we are continuously improving our news brief format. More information is coming every single month, and we are happy to assist in the promotion of our field. For next year we are working on getting our news in a different format and considering a blog which will be ready as soon as we define our new design. Membership Committee Currently we have around 13 members signed up in this committee We developed a New Members Orientation Webinar at the 2013 Annual Conference Public Relations Committee New PR Chair Lizette Odfalk, CMI, as of October New monthly meeting time and date was established: first Tuesday of the month at 5:00 pm PST, 7:00 PM CST & 8:00 PM EST. On November 2013 PR Chair attended ATA Conference in San Antonio, TX and helped promote annual conference. On the same month PR Chair led team of International Interpreters to create awareness about profession thru the American Heart Association 5k walk and raised $ for AHA Houston with the support of local Interpreters. With membership growth in mind and increased annual conference participation, personally invited 300 interpreters online thru LinkedIn network to annual conference. Team has approximately 15 members; it has grown by 25% since September. Vice Chair and Secretary positions are needed for this committee, among others. Chair has designed PR Committee goals and ideas for

12 IMIA EVENTS In 2013 the IMIA planned three events, and attended over 40 events in the US and abroad. 1/18-20/ IMIA International Conference on Medical Interpreting over 400 attendees Miami Beach Convention Center May 3, 2013 Seventh Annual National Certification Forum in Portland, OR - over 100 attendees 9/6/ IMIA Annual Trainers & Interpreter Service Providers / Administrators Symposia over 80 attendees Improving Language Access Quality: Preparing 21st Century Minority Language Medical Interpreters - Durham, NC OTHER VERY IMPORTANT INITIATIVES Commission for Accreditation of Interpreter Education The Commission has finalized the development of the accreditation program and completed four pilot audits. Auditors were trained, reports and the process was improved. The Accreditation Advisory Board advised and greatly improved the standards set for educational programs. The IMIA Accreditation is ready for an official launch at the IMIA 2014 Conference New applications for accreditation have been received and are being processed A presentation of the accreditation program will be given on January 19 th from 11:30am 12:30pm (Session C1) Language Access Leadership Academy The IMIA Leadership Academy Program graduated it s first cohort class at the National Certification Forum which took place in Oregon. The second cohort started classes this past September, with our first student from abroad, Egypt. The Leadership Academy program is looking for ways to be more accessible to candidates outside the United States. Abbott Thayer, IMIA Outreach Director, is now the on site supervisor for the Leadership Academy. Mentorship Program The Mentorship program is now under the supervision of Anarella Cellittii, Ph.D. There are now forms for mentors and mentees to fill out when applying for the program There have been presentations and there will be a presentation about the mentorship program at the 2014 Annual Conference. 12

13 SOME FACTS ABOUT THE IMIA The IMIA is a non-profit organization based in Massachusetts, United States. To see our non-profit listing, please search on the IRS website at: setts+medical+interpreters&city=boston&state=ma&country=us&ein1=&deductibility=all&sortcolumn=ein&indexoffirstr ow=0&isdescending=false&dispatchmethod=searchcharities Background Founded in 1986, with over 2,000 members, most providing interpreting services in over 70 languages, the IMIA is the oldest and largest medical interpreter association in the country. While representing medical interpreters as the experts in medical interpreting, membership to the IMIA is open to those interested in medical interpreting and language access. We currently have a division of providers, corporate members, and trainers. Policy makers, health care administrators, and others interested in medical interpreting are also welcome to join us as associate members. The IMIA has become the standard-setting organization for the profession of medical interpreters. According to our founders and By Laws: Purpose - Define educational requirements and qualifications for medical interpreters - Establish professional standards of practice and norms of medical interpretation - Promote the establishment of professional interpretation and translation services by medical institutions and related agencies - Act as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about medical interpretation-translation and related issues - Promote research into issues of cross-cultural communication in the healthcare setting - Promote the medical interpreting profession Objectives - Publish and promote periodicals, bulletins, notices, glossaries, dictionaries, reports, and any other publications that may further its objectives - Hold Conferences, Symposiums and Stakeholder meetings - Establish & maintain a certification process for medical interpreters - Maintain membership in professional organizations in related fields - Work actively with universities, foundations, government agencies, and other organizations in such matters as the training and continuing education of interpreters and translators 13

14 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT IMIA 2013 (January 1 to November 30)* INCOME US$ Corporate Memberships 24, Individual Memberships 57, Symposia 18, Boot Camps 42, Certification Forum 13, Leadership Academy 4, CEU Credits 3, Accreditation 5, E-Learning Modules Lifelong Learning Webinars Annual Conference 46, Annual Conference Sponsorships 25, Website Banner Advertising 2, Retail (includes printed Standards of Practice) 2, Donations Web Postings 1, Licensing Fees 35, Bank Interest (Savings) 7.00 Grants 25, Certification Registrations 42, Written Exams 138, Certification Oral Exams 77, Donations TOTAL GROSS REVENUE $569, EXPENSES 2013 Annual Conference (not total) 22, Events, Forum and Symposia 29, Annual Conference 2, Operations, Salaries, Contractors 183, Marketing 19, NCCA Accreditation 35, Certification Administration 116, Operations and Contractors 138, Marketing 2, TOTAL EXPENSES $549,

15 Report includes 11 months that have been fully reconciled by IMIA s Accounting firm. IMIA Standards of Excellence We are committed to our mission of promoting the profession and creating and maintaining a culture of excellence by exceeding the expectations of our members and the industry. The following standards of excellence support this commitment. The IMIA believes that commitment to these standards of excellence results in enhanced service to our members, improved productivity, a unified organization and the promotion of individual growth. Continuous Improvement: We strive to continually look for ways to improve. Integrity: We perform our jobs in an ethical manner, with honesty, sincerity and respect for others. Plurality: We foster a culture that accepts plurality and a diversity of viewpoints. Diversity: We are each responsible for creating and maintaining a culture that values the unique skills, viewpoints, characteristics, experiences, and backgrounds of our members. Responsibility: We do what we say we are going to do and take ownership of our work and our behavior. Transparency: We keep our membership informed of the organization s direction, future plans, current activities and decision-making process. Timeliness: We promptly respond to members because they are our highest priority, and we do our best in being expedient in all our activities. Professionalism: We consistently demonstrate behavior that is worth emulating and reflects well on the organization. Teamwork: We work and communicate effectively with members and other organizations to promote the profession and to bring out the best in each other and the organization. Collaboration: We promote healthy collaborative relationships with diverse organizations, including government entities, for profit or non profit organizations. Innovation: We continually develop and promote innovations to the field of medical interpreting. Fiscal Responsibility: We use our resources wisely and efficiently to achieve our goals. Development: We are dedicated to enhancing our professional and personal knowledge and skills and to assisting our members in their professional development efforts. The IMIA believes that commitment to these standards of excellence results in enhanced service to our members, improved productivity, a unified organization and the promotion of individual growth. All leaders and members of the IMIA are asked to abide by these standards of excellence. When we fall short, please president@imiaweb.org so we can improve any area that needs improvement. 15

16 IMIA STRATEGIC PLAN CERTIFICATION - Promote the institution of planned new languages & credentials - Support promotion of national and international certification - Promote certification and maintenance as a requirement to practice - Develop mechanisms to recognize credentialed medical interpreters - Inform interpreters about all certification programs available to them 2. ADVOCACY - Continue local, national and international advocacy efforts - Promote best practices at all levels (laws, language access) - Advocate for professional recognition, certification, and reimbursement 3. EXTERNAL RELATIONS - Create an External Relations Committee - Develop MOUs with other associations to expand on current efforts - Expand Public Relations Committee activities - Increase organization visibility 4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Develop Regional Chapters (local, regional, national, international) - Develop Committee and Division initiatives - Create leadership support positions - Develop and institute Leadership Academy 5. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT - Maintain pioneer & leadership position in the field - Strengthen organizational structure - Enhance administrative structure - Expand leadership structure regionally 6. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION & RESOURCES - Promote IMIA CEU Program - Develop International Education Directory - Promote Interpreter Education Worldwide - Support Professional Development of Medical Interpreters - Develop an Accreditation Program for Medical Interpreter Training. - Formalize a Patient/Provider Education Campaign 16

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