Bill > S2248

This bill aims to protect consumers of sign language and oral interpretation and transliteration by establishing clear standards for who can be considered a "qualified interpreter." A qualified interpreter is defined as someone skilled in sign language or oral interpretation and transliteration, capable of accurately communicating with and translating information for deaf or hard of hearing individuals. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) will set these qualification standards, and only interpreters registered with the MCDHH after meeting these standards will be presumed qualified to provide communication access. The bill also clarifies that while registered interpreters are presumed qualified, in emergency situations, hospitals or emergency service providers can use Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) or a family member for interpretation only until a qualified interpreter can be present on-site, provided a genuine effort has been made to secure a qualified interpreter first.