Magdalena Hartl from the Private University of Education, Diocese of Linz delivered a compelling lecture on January 15th 2024, delving into the costs for interpreting services in both private practices and healthcare facilities.
Focusing on Germany and Austria, Hartl primarily highlighted the lack of consensus regarding the assumption of costs. It became evident that in German-speaking private practices, patients or doctors bear interpreting costs, rather than social insurance. Conversely, hospitals are responsible for covering interpreting expenses. Throughout the lecture, numerous other differences between private practice and hospital settings were illuminated. This prompted lively discussions on the need for social change or the future of healthcare, such as a potential shift towards hospitals.
In conclusion, Hartl’s lecture once again emphasised the critical need for interdisciplinary dialogue between the legal and interpreting field. The spirited discussion that followed further underscored the necessity for ongoing collaboration.
Author: Jessica Tajs