Are interpreters allowed to take notes during interpretation, and what should they contain?

• A. No notes are allowed during interpretation.
• B. Yes; notes may capture essential terms, numbers, and key concepts but must be kept confidential and not relied on for memory.
• C. Yes; notes become part of the patient record and may be used for memory.
• D. Only when the interpreter has patient consent can notes be kept.

Answer: (B)

Note-taking during interpretation is a practical tool to support accuracy without compromising privacy. The idea is to capture only essential terms, numbers, dates, medication names and doses, and other key concepts that are most likely to be forgotten or misinterpreted in the moment. These notes act as a memory aid to help verify and reconstruct what was said, while you’re still actively listening and interpreting, rather than replacing the live process.

Crucially, these notes must be kept confidential and stored securely, following professional ethics and privacy laws. They should not be used as the primary memory source or relied upon to drive the interpretation in real time, and they should not automatically become part of the patient’s official medical record unless the organization’s policy specifically requires and clearly governs such documentation. Consent for note-taking is not the main gatekeeper; the guiding factors are confidentiality, appropriate use, and alignment with agency policy.

So, taking notes as described is considered appropriate and helpful because it supports accuracy and consistency while safeguarding patient privacy and preserving the integrity of the live interpretation.