HF2345 Summary

• Establishes a four-tier registry system for spoken language health care interpreters in Minnesota, to be maintained by the commissioner of health and effective by July 1, 2017.

• Registry tiers based on education and training requirements: Tier 1 requires basic medical terminology and ethics exams; Tier 2 requires 40-60 hours of approved medical interpreter training; Tier 3 requires national certification or 18+ semester credits in interpreting; Tier 4 requires national certification with language proficiency or associate's degree with oral proficiency exam.

• Requires annual renewal with continuing education (4-8 contact hours depending on tier) and establishes disciplinary procedures for violations including incompetent service, criminal convictions, and failure to comply with codes of ethics.

• Creates a 10-member Spoken Language Health Care Interpreter Advisory Council to approve continuing education, recommend qualification standards, and advise the commissioner on registry matters.

• Requires commissioner of human services to study and recommend a tiered reimbursement system for interpreters under Minnesota public health programs by January 15, 2018; repeals prior interpreter roster statute effective July 1, 2017.