HF1400 Summary

• Establishes a mandatory registry system for spoken language health care interpreters managed by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health, effective July 1, 2021, with three certification tiers: core, proficient, and certified interpreters

• Creates a 17-member Spoken Language Health Care Interpreter Advisory Council to oversee registry standards, examination content, continuing education requirements, and recommendations for fee adjustments and statutory changes

• Sets registration fees at $50 for initial and renewal listings, requires 3 hours of continuing education annually, and mandates compliance with a code of ethics and interpreting standards of practice

• Establishes disciplinary procedures for prohibited conduct including incompetent practice, criminal convictions, fraud, substance abuse, and failure to cooperate with investigations, with penalties ranging from censure to permanent removal from the registry

• Requires the Commissioner of Human Services to study and propose a stratified reimbursement system for medical assistance interpreter services by January 15, 2022, and repeals the previous voluntary roster system (section 144.058) effective July 1, 2022