Definition:

This value indicates which of Ontario's official languages is the maternal language (language learned from birth) of the client.

Guide for Use:

This data is collected at the initiation of treatment services.  The client's maternal language is collected regardless of whether or not service can be offered in that language. If the client's mother tongue is neither English nor French, choose Other.

Context:

• Used in care to provide appropriate care delivery as required by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldridge_v._British_Columbia_(Attorney_General).  
• Used to monitor treatment service utilization for English, French and other language groups to determine and assess equitable access and or utilization based on proportion of these groups in district / region population.
• To acquire informed consent (requires understanding).  
• Use of interpreters and translation improve the quality and safety of care.