Who is a qualified interpreter

Interpreters

The following requirements apply to the consent process for non-English speakers:

• The consent discussion must take place in a language understandable to the subject.
• The IRB review of required qualifications for interpreters, including whether adult family members may serve as interpreters, will consider if a medical background is needed based on the risks and complexities of study interventions, and based on whether any of the study procedures require additional consent when performed for clinical care.
• Minors may not serve as interpreters.
• Interpreters from Boston Medical Center interpreter services, including the contracted interpreter telephone line, will be considered to have sufficient expertise for interpreting studies with any medical procedures.
• When the short form consent process is used, a witness to the discussion who is fluent in both English and the language of the consent discussion is required. If the person obtaining consent is the one who acts as the interpreter, then the witness must not otherwise be associated with the study. If an interpreter is used who is not associated with the study, then the interpreter can serve as the witness.
• The translated consent form or translated short form must be signed by the subject or Legally Authorized Representative, signed by the witness, and signed by the person obtaining consent. If the short form is used, the English narrative describing the study must be signed by the person obtaining consent and signed by the witness.
• A copy of the translated consent form or translated short form and English narrative must be given to the subject or LAR.