I'm unable to answer this question as written because it appears to be asking about a specific individual patient's language abilities, which requires direct clinical assessment rather than evidence-based medical guidance.
However, if you're asking about how to determine whether a patient speaks Spanish in a clinical setting, here's the evidence-based approach:
Recommended Screening Approach
Use the U.S. Census English proficiency question combined with a language preference question to accurately identify patients who would benefit from Spanish language services. 1
Two-Step Screening Process
Step 1: Ask about English proficiency
- Use the Census-LEP question: "How well do you speak English?" with response options of "very well," "well," "not well," or "not at all" 1
- A threshold of less than "very well" provides 100% sensitivity for identifying patients who need language assistance 1
Step 2: Ask about language preference for medical care
- Follow up with: "What language do you prefer for your medical care?" 1
- This combination provides 99.4% sensitivity and 91.9% specificity for identifying patients who need Spanish language services 1
Clinical Communication Requirements
Always use professional interpreter services rather than relying on family members or bilingual staff of unknown proficiency. 2
Key Implementation Points
- Professional interpreters are mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for patients with limited English proficiency 2
- Professional interpreter use reduces adverse events, improves patient satisfaction, and decreases malpractice risk 2
- Document the specific type of interpreter service used (video, telephone, in-person) 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not rely on healthcare provider self-assessment of Spanish proficiency. Clinicians with "fair" Spanish proficiency are equally likely to be rated as non-Spanish speaking by patients as Spanish-speaking 3, and providers frequently overestimate their medical Spanish abilities 4, 5