Under what condition can an interpreter advocate for a patient?

An interpreter can advocate for a patient primarily when there is a risk to the patient’s safety or well-being. This condition highlights the interpreter's ethical responsibility to ensure that the patient's health and safety are prioritized. In situations where the patient's understanding or ability to communicate effectively is compromised, the interpreter may need to step in to advocate for necessary medical care or support.

This role as an advocate is grounded in the understanding that clear communication and patient safety are paramount. If a patient is unable to convey critical information due to language barriers, an interpreter may take action to ensure that the healthcare provider understands the patient's needs, thereby promoting the patient's welfare.

The option regarding patient requests does not guarantee that advocating is appropriate or ethical unless there is a legitimate concern for safety or well-being. Personal opinions should not influence an interpreter's professional role, which is to remain neutral and impartial. Similarly, advocacy based solely on the interpreter's feelings about a situation can lead to bias, which undermines the professional standards of interpreting.