Bill Text: MN SF2579 | 2011-2012 | 87th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Health care interpreter spoken language roster modification
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-03-29 - Referred to Health and Human Services [SF2579 Detail]
Download: Minnesota-2011-SF2579-Introduced.html
1.2relating to health; modifying the spoken language health care interpreter roster;
1.3amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.5 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058, is amended to read:
1.6144.058 INTERPRETER SERVICES QUALITY INITIATIVE.
1.7 (a) The commissioner of health shall establish avoluntary statewide roster, and
1.8develop a plan for a registry and certification process for interpreters who provide
1.9high quality, spoken language health care interpreter services.The roster, registry, and
1.10certification process shall be based on the findings and recommendations set forth by the
1.11Interpreter Services Work Group required under Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 12,
1.12section 13. The roster shall be voluntary and shall consist of searchable entry fields for
1.13each interpreter who chooses to be listed on the roster. The roster database shall include
1.14for each interpreter the following information:
1.15(1) name;
1.16(2) a description of the interpreter's education;
1.17(3) a description of the interpreter's experience, including training and internships;
1.18(4) language proficiency, including the scores of any language proficiency testing
1.19taken by the interpreter;
1.20(5) geographic areas served;
1.21(6) interpreting skills, including test scores on any interpreting skills tests and
1.22certification exams taken by the interpreter;
1.23(7) agency affiliations; and
1.24(8) any other relevant information deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
2.1 (b)By January 1, 2009, the commissioner shall establish a roster of all available
2.2interpreters to address access concerns, particularly in rural areas. To be listed on the
2.3roster, the interpreter must meet the following requirements:
2.4(1) complete and submit an application form provided by the commissioner that
2.5includes the information identified in paragraph (a);
2.6(2) submit proof that the interpreter is at least 18 years of age;
2.7(3) agree to abide by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care's Code of
2.8Ethics for the practice for health care interpreters;
2.9(4) submit the fee described in paragraph (c); and
2.10(5) submit a form authorizing the commissioner to request a criminal background
2.11check from the Department of Human Services.
2.12(c) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner shall:
2.13(1) develop a plan for a registry of spoken language health care interpreters,
2.14including:
2.15(i) development of standards for registration that set forth educational requirements,
2.16training requirements, demonstration of language proficiency and interpreting skills,
2.17agreement to abide by a code of ethics, and a criminal background check;
2.18(ii) recommendations for appropriate alternate requirements in languages for which
2.19testing and training programs do not exist;
2.20(iii) recommendations for appropriate fees; and
2.21(iv) recommendations for establishing and maintaining the standards for inclusion
2.22in the registry; and
2.23(2) develop a plan for implementing a certification process based on national
2.24testing and certification processes for spoken language interpreters 12 months after the
2.25establishment of a national certification process.
2.26(d) The commissioner shall consult with the Interpreter Stakeholder Group of the
2.27Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association for advice on the standards
2.28required to plan for the development of a registry and certification process.
2.29(c) Prior to listing the interpreter on the roster, the commissioner must verify
2.30the identity of the interpreter and the information submitted by the interpreter. Any
2.31information that cannot be verified shall not be included on the roster.
2.32(d) The commissioner may request the interpreter to submit additional information if
2.33necessary to verify the information submitted.
2.34 (e) The commissioner shall charge an annual fee of $50 to include an interpreter in
2.35the roster. The annual fee shall include the cost of the criminal background check. Fee
2.36revenue shall be deposited in the state government special revenue fund.
3.1(f) If a criminal background check indicates that an interpreter has engaged in
3.2criminal behavior, the commissioner shall not include the interpreter on the roster.
1.3amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.5 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058, is amended to read:
1.6144.058 INTERPRETER SERVICES QUALITY INITIATIVE.
1.7 (a) The commissioner of health shall establish a
1.8
1.9high quality, spoken language health care interpreter services.
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13each interpreter who chooses to be listed on the roster. The roster database shall include
1.14for each interpreter the following information:
1.15(1) name;
1.16(2) a description of the interpreter's education;
1.17(3) a description of the interpreter's experience, including training and internships;
1.18(4) language proficiency, including the scores of any language proficiency testing
1.19taken by the interpreter;
1.20(5) geographic areas served;
1.21(6) interpreting skills, including test scores on any interpreting skills tests and
1.22certification exams taken by the interpreter;
1.23(7) agency affiliations; and
1.24(8) any other relevant information deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
2.1 (b)
2.2
2.3roster, the interpreter must meet the following requirements:
2.4(1) complete and submit an application form provided by the commissioner that
2.5includes the information identified in paragraph (a);
2.6(2) submit proof that the interpreter is at least 18 years of age;
2.7(3) agree to abide by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care's Code of
2.8Ethics for the practice for health care interpreters;
2.9(4) submit the fee described in paragraph (c); and
2.10(5) submit a form authorizing the commissioner to request a criminal background
2.11check from the Department of Human Services.
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19
2.20
2.21
2.22
2.23
2.24
2.25
2.26
2.27
2.28
2.29(c) Prior to listing the interpreter on the roster, the commissioner must verify
2.30the identity of the interpreter and the information submitted by the interpreter. Any
2.31information that cannot be verified shall not be included on the roster.
2.32(d) The commissioner may request the interpreter to submit additional information if
2.33necessary to verify the information submitted.
2.34 (e) The commissioner shall charge an annual fee of $50 to include an interpreter in
2.35the roster. The annual fee shall include the cost of the criminal background check. Fee
2.36revenue shall be deposited in the state government special revenue fund.
3.1(f) If a criminal background check indicates that an interpreter has engaged in
3.2criminal behavior, the commissioner shall not include the interpreter on the roster.
