Right to an interpreter
You should receive information about your health, illness and treatment in a language you understand. If you have difficulty understanding and speaking Norwegian, you have the right to an interpreter in the language of your choice.
More languages (more languages)
Who is entitled to an interpreter?
If you do not understand what is being said and cannot explain what you need, you are entitled to an interpreter in the language of your choice. You may be entitled to an interpreter even if you speak Norwegian in your daily life.
Who arranges an interpreter?
The health service is responsible for arranging a qualified interpreter.
Healthcare personnel assess whether an interpreter is needed. You can also say if you think you need an interpreter, for example when booking an appointment. You can also call the health service and ask them to arrange an interpreter in your language.
An interpreter by video or telephone can sometimes be a good alternative to having an interpreter present in the room.
The Interpreting Act states that public bodies are required to use qualified interpreters.
Who pays for an interpreter?
An interpreter is free of charge for you as a patient in the health service. The exception is if you are going to the dentist and have to pay for dental treatment yourself. In that case, you must also pay for the interpreter.
Who can interpret?
The interpreter must be someone who is trained as an interpreter.
Children must not be used as interpreters. Other relatives or people without interpreter training should not be used instead of a qualified interpreter either.
What should you keep in mind when using an interpreter?
It is important that you tell the health service exactly which language you want.
If an interpreter has been arranged for a conversation, it is important that you arrive at the agreed time. If you cannot attend your appointment, you should cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will still have to pay for the consultation. This is especially important to remember when an interpreter has been arranged.
As a patient, you communicate with the healthcare personnel. Therefore, all questions should be directed to the healthcare personnel, not the interpreter.
What are the interpreter’s duties?
The interpreter is bound by a duty of confidentiality. Anything that comes up in the conversation must not be shared with others.
The interpreter should only translate what is said, not give advice or add their own opinions. The interpreter must remain neutral and not take sides.
You can complain
If you do not get an interpreter, even though you believe you need one, you can complain to the institution where you are a patient. You can also complain to the County Governor in your county,the Patient and User Ombudorthe Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud.
If you are not satisfied with the interpreter, you can complain to the institution where you are a patient.
More information:
https://www.helsenorge.no/rettigheter/tolk/