Who has the right to informed consent in a clinician-patient encounter, and what is the interpreter's role?

• A. The clinician has the right; the interpreter guides decisions.
• B. The patient has the right; the interpreter advocates for the patient.
• C. The patient has the right; the interpreter is to accurately convey information and verify understanding without guiding decisions.
• D. The family has the right; the interpreter summarizes for them.

Answer: (D)

Informed consent rests with the patient. The clinician provides all necessary information in a language the patient understands, including options, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and the patient decides whether to proceed.

The interpreter’s role is to ensure accurate communication and understanding. This means faithfully translating everything without adding personal opinions or steering the decision. The interpreter should verify that the patient understands what was explained, often by asking the patient to paraphrase or explain back what was heard. The interpreter should not advocate for the patient or for the clinician, and they should not summarize the discussion for family members unless the patient has designated someone to receive information on their behalf.