Hon Nick Goiran asks if difficulties in obtaining interpreters for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) assessments prompted the broadening of interpreter accreditation. The answer states there were no difficulties and the change was for inclusivity.

AnsweredQoN 1165Legislative Council
Asked
1 December 2022
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to page 39 of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Board Western Australia Annual Report 2021-22 that states ‘To
increase the number of interpreters who may provide services as part of the
voluntary assisted dying process, the Chief Executive Officer of the Department
of Health has broadened the bodies that an interpreter may be accredited by
under section 163 to also include a Registered Higher Education Provider or a
Registered Training Organisation, in addition [sic] the National Accreditation
Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).’ Earlier
in the report (page 19) it was noted that a patient was assisted by an interpreter in
only two cases during a First Assessment. ; and I ask, was there difficulty in obtaining an interpreter
in these two cases that necessitated the Chief Executive Officer’s actions in
broadening the bodies that an interpreter may be accredited by under section
163?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 February 2023
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Health
Response time
1 days
There was no difficulty in obtaining an interpreter in either of the two cases included in the annual report.
The Chief Executive Officer’s action in broadening interpreter accreditation was done solely to be inclusive of interpreters who are suitably qualified and willing to be involved in the voluntary assisted dying process but who have chosen not to be credentialed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

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