H1289
An Act requiring reimbursement for the costs of providing competent interpreter services
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would require Massachusetts hospitals to reimburse the costs associated with providing competent interpreter services to patients who rely on them. Currently, there may be gaps in funding for these essential services, which can hinder effective communication and care for patients with limited English proficiency. The bill aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents, regardless of their language skills. It seeks to standardize and financially support the provision of interpretation services within hospitals.
Key provisions
- Requires hospitals to reimburse the costs of interpreter services.
- Specifies that interpreter services must be ‘competent’.
- Applies to patients with limited English proficiency.
- Addresses communication barriers in healthcare settings.
- Focuses on ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
Who is affected
- Hospitals
- Patients with limited English proficiency
- Healthcare providers
- Interpreter service providers
Notable changes
- Establishes a reimbursement mechanism for interpreter services.
- Addresses a potential gap in funding for language access services.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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Bill H.1289 194th (Current)
An Act requiring reimbursement for the costs of providing competent interpreter services
By Representative Plouffe of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1289) of Bridget Plouffe relative to the reimbursement of interpreter services incurred by certain hospitals. Financial Services.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Bridget Plouffe
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.1289
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Financial Services |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/23/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 04/29/2025 from 10:00 AM-02:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/31/2025 | House | Accompanied a new draft, see H4341 |
| 8/28/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 04/29/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
Similar Bills
H.4341 194th (Current)
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