Bill would create work group to improve healthcare interpreter standards and access

Vice Chair Nadeau introduced House File 2,007 and the committee adopted the DE1 technical amendment. The bill would create a healthcare interpreter services work group charged with delivering recommendations to the Legislature on training, certification, reimbursement, access and workforce shortages.

Clinical and community witnesses described patient safety incidents and disparities tied to untrained or ad hoc interpretation. Dr. Tali Vang, vice president of health equity at Hennepin Healthcare, gave two clinical examples in which untrained interpreters failed to convey critical information and in one case contributed to a delayed diagnosis of a heart attack. "The difference between an interpreter and medically trained interpreter is not just about language. It's about patient dignity, safety, and access to equitable care," Vang said.

Rosa Tock of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, Bridal Olivo (director of language services for Fairview Health Services), and Andy Morris of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans testified in support and described broad community demand, rural access gaps and the link between interpreter quality and reduced medical errors.

Witnesses and the sponsor stressed the bill’s narrow, collaborative scope: the work group would convene stakeholders — providers, interpreters, educators and state agencies — to deliver evidence‑based recommendations. The sponsor said appointments would be completed by August 2025 and the work group would report by November 2026.

Committee members expressed bipartisan support and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.