Section 1.

new text begin [62Q.40] LANGUAGE INTERPRETER SERVICES.
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new text begin (a) A health plan must cover sign language interpreter services provided to deaf and
hard-of-hearing enrollees and language interpreter services provided to enrollees with
limited English proficiency in order to facilitate the provision of health care services by a
provider or health care facility. For purposes of this section, "provider" has the meaning
given in section 62J.03, subdivision 8; and "health plan" includes coverage excluded
under 62A.011, subdivision 3, clauses (7), (9), and (10). Interpreter services may be
provided in person, by telephone, or by video conference. The health plan shall reimburse
either the party providing interpreter services directly for the costs of language interpreter
services provided to the enrollee or the provider or health care facility arranging for
the provision of interpreter services. Providers and health care facilities that employ
or contract with interpreters may bill and shall be reimbursed directly by health plan
companies for such services. Except where health plan companies are already reimbursing
a party providing or a provider or health care facility arranging for interpreter services,
required reimbursement by health plan companies for interpreter services shall be phased
in over a three-year period with a third of the cost reimbursed the first year, two-thirds
of the cost reimbursed the second year, and full reimbursement the third year. A health
plan company shall provide to enrollees, upon request, the policies and procedures for
addressing the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing enrollees and enrollees with limited
English proficiency. All entities providing interpreter services must disclose their methods
for ensuring competency upon request of any health plan company, provider, or consumer.
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new text begin (b) The commissioner of human services shall adopt the National Standards of
Practice for Interpreters in Health Care and establish a registry of interpreters that lists
interpreters meeting these standards. The registry shall require verification that the
standards have been met through evidence of:
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new text begin (1) proficiency in English and another working language, both oral and written,
and signing as applicable;
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new text begin (2) professional ethics;
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new text begin (3) basic interpreting competencies; and
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new text begin (4) knowledge of medical terminology.
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new text begin (c) The registry shall be established by September 1, 2008.
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