Bill > HF2007

This bill establishes a spoken language health care interpreter work group to improve interpreter services in Minnesota. The work group will consist of 15 members representing various stakeholders, including interpreters, limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals, health plans, healthcare systems, interpreter agencies, and government departments. The group's primary duties include compiling recommendations to support and improve healthcare interpreting services, such as updating interpreter requirements, addressing barriers for interpreters (especially in rural areas and for uncommon languages), exploring reimbursement options, developing training and certification programs, and identifying financial assistance for interpreters. The commissioner of health will convene the first meeting by October 1, 2025, and ensure public input through at least two comment opportunities in the five most common languages. By November 1, 2026, the commissioner must provide legislative committees with recommendations and potential draft legislation to improve healthcare interpreting services statewide. The bill includes a one-time appropriation from the general fund to establish the work group, with funds available until June 30, 2027. The goal is to enhance language access and quality of healthcare interpretation for Minnesota's diverse population.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2007&ssn=0&y=2025