Australia RACGP Standards for General Practices (5th edition) C1.4: Interpreter and other communication services: the practice makes an effort to use an interpreter for patients who do not speak the team's primary language and appropriate communication services for patients with a communication impairment, and offers resources that are culturally appropriate, translated or in plain English

What does C1.4 require?

Where language or impairment stands between a patient and their care, the practice bridges it. Staff know how to book the Translating and Interpreting Service or a local interpreter, offer it rather than relying on family members for clinical conversations, and record the patient's language and interpreter need in the record. For patients with hearing, speech, vision or cognitive impairments the practice arranges suitable aids or services such as the National Relay Service. Patient materials are available in plain English and, where the practice population needs it, in translation or culturally appropriate formats.