HF2023 Summary

• Establishes a registry system for spoken language health care interpreters maintained by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health, effective July 1, 2019, with two categories: registered interpreters (requiring exam or 40-hour training) and certified interpreters (requiring national certification).

• Creates a 13-member Spoken Language Health Care Interpreter Advisory Council to advise on registry standards, continuing education, disciplinary issues, and identify gaps in interpreter services, particularly in rural areas and for uncommon languages.

• Sets registration fees at $50 (2019-2020), $70 (2020-2021), and up to $90 thereafter (2021+); requires three hours of continuing education annually for renewal; establishes one-year registry validity periods.

• Specifies prohibited conduct grounds for disciplinary action including incompetent practice, criminal convictions, fraud, substance impairment, and failure to comply with orders; allows commissioner to censure, suspend, or remove interpreters from registry.

• Amends medical assistance coverage to require spoken language interpreters be listed on the new registry (effective July 1, 2020); repeals the previous interpreter roster system established under section 144.058.