Model Resolutions

Foreign Language Requirements

Submitted By Pima County Medical Society

WHEREAS, The Policy Guidance on implementing Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)" is vague, onerous, and extremely costly; and

WHEREAS, The physician is in the best position to determine the optimum way of assuring accurate communication with the patient to the physician provides care; and

WHEREAS, This policy could be used as a basis for filing litigation after a sub-optimal treatment outcome, although at the time the communications appeared to be satisfactory; and

WHEREAS, This Policy disproportionately burdens small, independent medical practices and may decrease the options available to patients; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Arizona Medical Association submit or join a Citizens' Petition calling for the withdrawal of the Policy Guidance on Implementing Executive Order 13166, and, if this should fail, join with other associations in appropriate litigation against the enforcement of these rules.