Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare

• The interpreter treats as confidential, within the treating team, all information learned in the performance of their professional duties, while observing relevant requirements regarding disclosure.   
• The interpreter strives to render the message accurately, conveying the content  and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration its cultural context.  
• The interpreter strives to maintain impartiality and refrains from counseling, advising or  projecting personal biases or beliefs.  
• The interpreter maintains the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal  involvement.  
• The interpreter continuously strives to develop awareness of his/her own and other  (including biomedical) cultures encountered in the performance of their professional  duties.  
• The interpreter treats all parties with respect.  
• When the patient’s health, well-being, or dignity is at risk, the interpreter may be justified  in acting as an advocate. Advocacy is understood as an action taken on behalf of an  individual that goes beyond facilitating communication, with the intention of supporting  good health outcomes. Advocacy must only be undertaken after careful and thoughtful  analysis of the situation and if other less intrusive actions have not resolved the problem.  
• The interpreter strives to continually further his/her knowledge and skills.  
• The interpreter must at all times act in a professional and ethical manner.