The assistance given to patients with limited English proficiency should be governed by:

The assistance provided to patients with limited English proficiency should be governed by organizational policy because these policies are designed to ensure that all patients receive equitable and effective communication. Organizational policies typically reflect legal requirements, best practices, and ethical considerations to assist individuals regardless of their language abilities. These policies help establish consistent standards within healthcare settings, which enhance patient safety and quality of care.

Organizational policies are often based on federal and state regulations that mandate language assistance services, ensuring compliance and reducing liability for the healthcare institution. They ensure a systematic approach to offering language assistance, such as interpreters or translated materials, which also takes into account the diverse needs of the patient population. In contrast, physician preference, available resources, and patient requests may not consistently result in equitable access to necessary services, as they can lead to variability in the quality of care and may inadvertently exclude certain patients. Hence, prioritizing organizational policy helps create a foundation for reliable and fair support for patients with limited English proficiency.