I don't know about mandatory, but it should definitely be encouraged. I agree with those who say that we go out of way to accommodate those who do not speak English. I don't think it should be necessary for there to be special forms, etc. that are in Spanish. My parents came into this country 30 years ago and had to learn for themselves how to fill things out in English. And if they didn't know, they had to ask me or my sister to explain.

That said, I can understand why there would be a need for bilingual employees in places like doctors' offices. Yes, I expect those who immigrate here to learn our language, but I also understand that English is one of the hardest languages to learn. Enough those who are born and raised here don't have the best grasp of this language. In certain cases like this, I do think it would easier for patients to explain their symptoms to someone in their own language and have someone translate. My mother knows English enough to communicate with her coworkers but always has me tag along to her doctor's appointment for this reason, because I can better convey to the doctor her symptoms so she can get a more accurate diagnosis.