People who prefer or need to communicate in a language other than English can use an accredited interpreter to help them communicate at all points during the Voluntary Assisted Dying Pathway.
Interpreters can choose whether to participate in or assist a person going through the Voluntary Assisted Dying Pathway. There is no requirement under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act) for an interpreter to participate.
In circumstances where a person requires an interpreter to assist them in requesting access to or accessing voluntary assisted dying, the interpreter must meet certain requirements under the Act.
The Act requires an interpreter who assists a person throughout the Voluntary Assisted Dying Pathway to:
- be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or any other body determined by the Chief Executive in accordance with Voluntary Assisted Dying Regulations 2022
- not be a member of the patient’s family
- not know or believe they may benefit from the death of the patient
- not own or be responsible for the day-to-day management of a health facility where the patient lives or is being treated, for example a residential aged care facility
- not be directly involved in providing health services or professional care to the patient.
Interpreters participating in any part of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Pathway should practice in line with the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Code of Ethics.