Morales v. Saint Barnabas Medical Center, 13-cv-06363 (D.N.J. Consent Order, Feb. 14, 2017)

• The Medical Center agreed that when using Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to provide effective communication to deaf and hard of hearing patients and companions, the VRI will meet the DOJ regulatory requirements.
  • The regulatory requirements include: high quality video images; sharp and large image
• The Medical Center agreed that VRI shall not be used when it is ineffective – examples:
  • Inability to see, move head/hands/arm, limited cognition, or pain
  • Information exchanged is highly complex
  • Area without a designated high speed Internet line
  • Space restrictions in room where patient is treated
  • VRI not operational after staff try for 45 minutes
• The Medical Center agreed that if VRI is not effective, it will provide an onsite interpreter
• The Medical Center agreed that if VRI is used, staff will confirm that VRI is meeting the individual’s needs

Read the Consent Order for Morales vs. St. Barnabas here.

See also Moss v. Newark Beth Israel Med. Ctr., 13-cv-4360 (D.N.J. Consent Order, Feb. 16, 2017)