IL HJR0013

Creates the Statewide Task Force on Limited English Proficient Patient Access to Quality Interpreter Services to provide recommendations on interpreter services for LEP patients in Illinois healthcare settings.

Task Force shall examine barriers to access, COVID-19 pandemic impacts, funding and reimbursement issues, availability of certified interpreters, communication of language assistance laws to providers, and enforcement mechanisms for the Language Assistance Services Act.

Task Force composition includes 6 voting government members (one from IDPH as chair, two House members, two Senate members, one Governor appointee) and 16 public members representing health advocacy groups, certified medical interpreters, hospitals, civil rights organizations, state departments, and emergency medicine physicians.

All Task Force appointments must be made within 60 days; members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses; Illinois Department of Public Health provides administrative support.

Task Force must meet at least quarterly and submit final report to General Assembly and Governor by January 1, 2025, at which point the Task Force is dissolved.