Which is a proper role of the interpreter regarding consent forms?

• A. Sign the consent forms for the patient.
• B. Translate the content, verify understanding, and avoid advising or filling out forms on the patient’s behalf.
• C. Counsel medical decisions during the consent process.
• D. Translate only words without meaning.

Answer: (B)

Interpreters facilitate consent by translating accurately and ensuring understanding, while staying neutral and not advising. The proper role is to convey the content of the consent forms faithfully, explain terms in a way the patient can grasp, and confirm that the patient truly understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives before any decision is made. They should not influence the decision, offer medical advice, or fill out or sign the forms on the patient’s behalf. Their function ends at accurate communication and reassurance of comprehension; the patient or their authorized representative makes the decision and completes the form.

Signing the forms or counseling medical decisions would overstep the interpreter’s role, and translating words without conveying meaning would fail to ensure true understanding.