An Act requiring reimbursement for the costs of providing competent interpreter services
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill requires Massachusetts hospitals to reimburse the costs associated with providing competent interpreter services to patients who need them. Currently, hospitals may not adequately cover these expenses, creating a barrier for patients with limited English proficiency. The goal is to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents of the state by supporting effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Key provisions
- Requires hospitals to reimburse for interpreter services.
- Specifies that the interpreter services must be ‘competent’.
- Applies to hospitals within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Addresses communication barriers for patients with limited English proficiency.
- Supports equitable access to healthcare services.
Who is affected
- Hospitals
- Patients with limited English proficiency
- Healthcare providers
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Establishes a requirement for hospital reimbursement of interpreter costs.
- Builds upon previous attempts to address this issue (H.502, H.929, H.1217, H.968).
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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