NJ S2267

Mandates health insurance coverage for qualified sign language interpreter services during health care encounters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in New Jersey.

Applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, individual and group health insurance policies, small employer plans, HMOs, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and NJ FamilyCare.

Requires coverage for video remote interpreting services when in-person qualified interpreters are unavailable, with technical standards ensuring high-quality video and audio transmission.

Prohibits family members or friends from serving as interpreters unless they are certified and the patient consents, or the patient is a minor with a consenting parent/guardian present.

Mandates professional interpreters (not family members) in cases of suspected domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect to protect patient safety and communication integrity.