This bill proposes the establishment of a Spoken Language Health Care Interpreter Work Group in Minnesota. The key components of the bill are:

1. Definitions (Sec. 1)

   • Defines terms such as "commissioner," "common languages" (the 15 most frequent languages spoken in Minnesota), and "registered interpreter" (interpreters listed on the Department of Health's roster).

2. Creation of a Work Group (Sec. 2)

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Health must contract with an independent consultant to convene a Spoken Language Health Care Interpreter Work Group.
     
   • The work group will consist of 15 appointed members, including interpreters, representatives of limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals, health care industry representatives, interpreter agency representatives, and state agency officials.

3. Duties of the Work Group (Sec. 2 Subd. 3)

   • Develop recommendations to improve access to spoken language interpreting services in health care settings.
     
   • Review and propose changes to interpreter registration and certification requirements.
     
   • Identify barriers preventing interpreters (especially those in rural areas or rare language interpreters) from becoming registered.
     
   • Examine reimbursement for interpreter services and address funding and training gaps.
     
   • Conduct surveys on interpreting services to assess quality and patient experience.
     
   • Provide recommendations on telehealth and remote interpreting requirements.
     

4. Meetings & Public Input (Sec. 3)

   • The work group must hold its first meeting by October 1, 2025.
     
   • Public comment opportunities must be provided with at least four weeks' notice, and translated materials must be available in the five most common languages in Minnesota.

5. Final Report & Recommendations (Sec. 4)

   • By November 1, 2026, the work group must submit a report with recommendations and draft legislation to improve health care interpreting services statewide.

6. Funding (Sec. 5)

   • A one-time appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the establishment of the work group, available until June 30, 2027.

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve access to and regulation of health care interpretation services, ensuring linguistic and cultural competency in medical settings for Minnesota residents with limited English proficiency.