1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to health; modifying the spoken language health care interpreter roster;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.058, is amended to read:
1.6 	144.058 INTERPRETER SERVICES QUALITY INITIATIVE.
1.7 	(a) The commissioner of health shall establish a voluntary statewide roster, and 
1.8 	develop a plan for a registry and certification process for interpreters who provide 
1.9 	high quality, spoken language health care interpreter services. The roster, registry, and 
1.10 	certification process shall be based on the findings and recommendations set forth by the 
1.11 	Interpreter Services Work Group required under Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 12, 
1.12 	section 13. The roster shall be voluntary and shall consist of searchable entry fields for 
1.13 	each interpreter who chooses to be listed on the roster. The roster database shall include 
1.14 	for each interpreter the following information:
1.15 	(1) name;
1.16 	(2) a description of the interpreter's education;
1.17 	(3) a description of the interpreter's experience, including training and internships;
1.18 	(4) language proficiency, including the scores of any language proficiency testing 
1.19 	taken by the interpreter;
1.20 	(5) geographic areas served;
1.21 	(6) interpreting skills, including test scores on any interpreting skills tests and 
1.22 	certification exams taken by the interpreter;
1.23 	(7) agency affiliations; and
1.24 	(8) any other relevant information deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
2.1 	(b) By January 1, 2009, the commissioner shall establish a roster of all available 
2.2 	interpreters to address access concerns, particularly in rural areas. To be listed on the 
2.3 	roster, the interpreter must meet the following requirements:
2.4 	(1) complete and submit an application form provided by the commissioner that 
2.5 	includes the information identified in paragraph (a);
2.6 	(2) submit proof that the interpreter is at least 18 years of age;
2.7 	(3) agree to abide by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care's Code of 
2.8 	Ethics for the practice for health care interpreters;
2.9 	(4) submit the fee described in paragraph (c); and
2.10 	(5) submit a form authorizing the commissioner to request a criminal background 
2.11 	check from the Department of Human Services.
2.12 	(c) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner shall:
2.13 	(1) develop a plan for a registry of spoken language health care interpreters, 
2.14 	including:
2.15 	(i) development of standards for registration that set forth educational requirements, 
2.16 	training requirements, demonstration of language proficiency and interpreting skills, 
2.17 	agreement to abide by a code of ethics, and a criminal background check;
2.18 	(ii) recommendations for appropriate alternate requirements in languages for which 
2.19 	testing and training programs do not exist;
2.20 	(iii) recommendations for appropriate fees; and
2.21 	(iv) recommendations for establishing and maintaining the standards for inclusion 
2.22 	in the registry; and
2.23 	(2) develop a plan for implementing a certification process based on national 
2.24 	testing and certification processes for spoken language interpreters 12 months after the 
2.25 	establishment of a national certification process.
2.26 	(d) The commissioner shall consult with the Interpreter Stakeholder Group of the 
2.27 	Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association for advice on the standards 
2.28 	required to plan for the development of a registry and certification process.
2.29 	(c) Prior to listing the interpreter on the roster, the commissioner must verify 
2.30 	the identity of the interpreter and the information submitted by the interpreter. Any 
2.31 	information that cannot be verified shall not be included on the roster.
2.32 	(d) The commissioner may request the interpreter to submit additional information if 
2.33 	necessary to verify the information submitted.
2.34 	(e) The commissioner shall charge an annual fee of $50 to include an interpreter in 
2.35 	the roster.  The annual fee shall include the cost of the criminal background check. Fee 
2.36 	revenue shall be deposited in the state government special revenue fund.
3.1 	(f) If a criminal background check indicates that an interpreter has engaged in 
3.2 	criminal behavior, the commissioner shall not include the interpreter on the roster.