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HF 2978

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/28/2012 10:15am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to health; modifying the spoken language health care interpreter roster;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058, is amended to read:


144.058 INTERPRETER SERVICES QUALITY INITIATIVE.

(a) The commissioner of health shall establish a deleted text begin voluntarydeleted text end statewide rosterdeleted text begin , and
develop a plan for a registry and certification process
deleted text end for interpreters who provide
high quality, spoken language health care interpreter services. deleted text begin The roster, registry, and
certification process shall be based on the findings and recommendations set forth by the
Interpreter Services Work Group required under Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 12,
section 13.
deleted text end new text begin The roster shall be voluntary and shall consist of searchable entry fields for
each interpreter who chooses to be listed on the roster. The roster database shall include
for each interpreter the following information:
new text end

new text begin (1) name;
new text end

new text begin (2) a description of the interpreter's education;
new text end

new text begin (3) a description of the interpreter's experience, including training and internships;
new text end

new text begin (4) language proficiency, including the scores of any language proficiency testing
taken by the interpreter;
new text end

new text begin (5) geographic areas served;
new text end

new text begin (6) interpreting skills, including test scores on any interpreting skills tests and
certification exams taken by the interpreter;
new text end

new text begin (7) agency affiliations; and
new text end

new text begin (8) any other relevant information deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
new text end

(b) deleted text begin By January 1, 2009, the commissioner shall establish a roster of all available
interpreters to address access concerns, particularly in rural areas.
deleted text end new text begin To be listed on the
roster, the interpreter must meet the following requirements:
new text end

new text begin (1) complete and submit an application form provided by the commissioner that
includes the information identified in paragraph (a);
new text end

new text begin (2) submit proof that the interpreter is at least 18 years of age;
new text end

new text begin (3) agree to abide by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care's Code of
Ethics for the practice for health care interpreters;
new text end

new text begin (4) submit the fee described in paragraph (c); and
new text end

new text begin (5) submit a form authorizing the commissioner to request a criminal background
check from the Department of Human Services.
new text end

deleted text begin (c) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner shall:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) develop a plan for a registry of spoken language health care interpreters,
including:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (i) development of standards for registration that set forth educational requirements,
training requirements, demonstration of language proficiency and interpreting skills,
agreement to abide by a code of ethics, and a criminal background check;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (ii) recommendations for appropriate alternate requirements in languages for which
testing and training programs do not exist;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (iii) recommendations for appropriate fees; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (iv) recommendations for establishing and maintaining the standards for inclusion
in the registry; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) develop a plan for implementing a certification process based on national
testing and certification processes for spoken language interpreters 12 months after the
establishment of a national certification process.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner shall consult with the Interpreter Stakeholder Group of the
Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association for advice on the standards
required to plan for the development of a registry and certification process.
deleted text end

new text begin (c) Prior to listing the interpreter on the roster, the commissioner must verify
the identity of the interpreter and the information submitted by the interpreter. Any
information that cannot be verified shall not be included on the roster.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner may request the interpreter to submit additional information if
necessary to verify the information submitted.
new text end

(e) The commissioner shall charge an annual fee of $50 to include an interpreter in
the roster. new text begin The annual fee shall include the cost of the criminal background check. new text end Fee
revenue shall be deposited in the state government special revenue fund.

new text begin (f) If a criminal background check indicates that an interpreter has engaged in
criminal behavior, the commissioner shall not include the interpreter on the roster.
new text end