The Role of Language Barriers in Medical Liability Claims

More than 30% of New York’s population speaks a language other than English at home. MLMIC’s data reveals a higher frequency of payments in claims where a language barrier is identified versus claims with no language barrier. Cultural considerations, a lack of appropriate resources and care environment can all contribute to claims associated with non-English-speaking patients. 

Join MLMIC and HANYS on April 9, 2026, from 12:00pm – 1:00pm as they discuss the impact of language barriers on professional liability claims, share methods to communicate effectively with patients with limited or no English proficiency and offer strategies to reduce the incidence of professional liability claims.

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• recognize the challenges associated with language barriers in rendering safe and effective patient care;
• discuss your obligations when addressing patients with limited English proficiency;
• identify strategies that can foster effective communication with patients and their families; and
• apply best practices to engage your patients, improve the patient experience and reduce the risk of professional liability claims.

This event is open to HANYS members and non-members.

Register here.