Amended IN Assembly April 01, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 667Introduced by Assembly Member SolacheFebruary 14, 2025 An act to add Section 41 to the Business and Professions Code, and to add Sections 1337.25 and 1736.3 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to professions and vocations.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 667, as amended, Solache. Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.Existing law establishes the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is composed of various boards that license and regulate various professions. Existing law provides for the certification and regulation of certified nurse assistants and home health aids aides by the State Department of Public Health.This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, require the State Department of Public Health and boards under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs to permit an applicant who cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, interpreter to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the license or certification examination, as applicable, if the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure. licensure, as specified. This bill would require an interpreter to satisfy specified requirements, including not having the license for which the applicant is taking the examination. The bill would also require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to post on their internet websites that an applicant may use an interpreter if they cannot read, speak, or write in English and if English, the examination is not offered in their preferred language, and they meet all other requirements for licensure or certification.This bill would require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to include in their licensure or certification applications a section that asks the applicant to identify their preferred language and, beginning July 1, 2027, to conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants. The bill would require the State Department of Public Health and those boards, beginning July 1, 2029 2029, and until January 1, 2033, to annually report to specified committees of the Legislature on language preference data. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 41 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:41. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.SEC. 2. Section 1337.25 is added to the Health and Safety Code, immediately following Section 1337.2, to read:1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.SEC. 3. Section 1736.3 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
Amended IN Assembly April 01, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 667Introduced by Assembly Member SolacheFebruary 14, 2025 An act to add Section 41 to the Business and Professions Code, and to add Sections 1337.25 and 1736.3 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to professions and vocations.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 667, as amended, Solache. Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.Existing law establishes the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is composed of various boards that license and regulate various professions. Existing law provides for the certification and regulation of certified nurse assistants and home health aids aides by the State Department of Public Health.This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, require the State Department of Public Health and boards under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs to permit an applicant who cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, interpreter to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the license or certification examination, as applicable, if the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure. licensure, as specified. This bill would require an interpreter to satisfy specified requirements, including not having the license for which the applicant is taking the examination. The bill would also require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to post on their internet websites that an applicant may use an interpreter if they cannot read, speak, or write in English and if English, the examination is not offered in their preferred language, and they meet all other requirements for licensure or certification.This bill would require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to include in their licensure or certification applications a section that asks the applicant to identify their preferred language and, beginning July 1, 2027, to conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants. The bill would require the State Department of Public Health and those boards, beginning July 1, 2029 2029, and until January 1, 2033, to annually report to specified committees of the Legislature on language preference data. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Assembly April 01, 2025
Amended IN Assembly April 01, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 667
Introduced by Assembly Member SolacheFebruary 14, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Solache
February 14, 2025
An act to add Section 41 to the Business and Professions Code, and to add Sections 1337.25 and 1736.3 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to professions and vocations.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 667, as amended, Solache. Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.
Existing law establishes the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is composed of various boards that license and regulate various professions. Existing law provides for the certification and regulation of certified nurse assistants and home health aids aides by the State Department of Public Health.This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, require the State Department of Public Health and boards under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs to permit an applicant who cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, interpreter to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the license or certification examination, as applicable, if the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure. licensure, as specified. This bill would require an interpreter to satisfy specified requirements, including not having the license for which the applicant is taking the examination. The bill would also require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to post on their internet websites that an applicant may use an interpreter if they cannot read, speak, or write in English and if English, the examination is not offered in their preferred language, and they meet all other requirements for licensure or certification.This bill would require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to include in their licensure or certification applications a section that asks the applicant to identify their preferred language and, beginning July 1, 2027, to conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants. The bill would require the State Department of Public Health and those boards, beginning July 1, 2029 2029, and until January 1, 2033, to annually report to specified committees of the Legislature on language preference data.
Existing law establishes the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is composed of various boards that license and regulate various professions. Existing law provides for the certification and regulation of certified nurse assistants and home health aids aides by the State Department of Public Health.
This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, require the State Department of Public Health and boards under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs to permit an applicant who cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, interpreter to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the license or certification examination, as applicable, if the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure. licensure, as specified.
This bill would require an interpreter to satisfy specified requirements, including not having the license for which the applicant is taking the examination. The bill would also require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to post on their internet websites that an applicant may use an interpreter if they cannot read, speak, or write in English and if English, the examination is not offered in their preferred language, and they meet all other requirements for licensure or certification.
This bill would require those boards and the State Department of Public Health to include in their licensure or certification applications a section that asks the applicant to identify their preferred language and, beginning July 1, 2027, to conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants. The bill would require the State Department of Public Health and those boards, beginning July 1, 2029 2029, and until January 1, 2033, to annually report to specified committees of the Legislature on language preference data.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 41 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:41. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.SEC. 2. Section 1337.25 is added to the Health and Safety Code, immediately following Section 1337.2, to read:1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.SEC. 3. Section 1736.3 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 41 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:41. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
SECTION 1. Section 41 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
41. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
41. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
41. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
41. (a) For purposes of this section:
(1) Board means any board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs, as specified in Section 101.
(2) Interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:
(A) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.
(B) Has not acted as an interpreter for the examination within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.
(C) Is not licensed and has not been issued the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.
(D) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.
(E) Is not a current or former student in an apprenticeship or training program for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.
(F) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for the license for which the applicant is taking the examination.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, each board shall do all of the following:
(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted license examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure.
(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.
(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.
(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.
(2) Post on the boards internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret a license examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for licensure. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.
(3) Include an additional section in a license application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.
(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, each board shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for licensure that is applicants language preferences that are collected from license applications.
(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, each board shall annually report to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development and the Assembly Business and Professions Committees on language preference data collected from license applications.
(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
SEC. 2. Section 1337.25 is added to the Health and Safety Code, immediately following Section 1337.2, to read:1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
SEC. 2. Section 1337.25 is added to the Health and Safety Code, immediately following Section 1337.2, to read:
### SEC. 2.
1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
1337.25. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:
(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.
(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a certified nurse assistant within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.
(3) Is not a certified nurse assistant and has not held a certificate as a nurse assistant in the state. state certified nurse assistant certificate.
(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a certified nurse assistant.
(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified nurse assistant apprenticeship or training program.
(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a certified nurse assistant.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:
(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter, if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of a state-administered or contracted certified nurse assistant examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.
(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.
(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.
(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.
(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified nurse assistant examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.
(3) Include an additional section in the certified nurse assistant application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.
(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for nurse assistant certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.
(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified nurse assistant certification applications.
(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
SEC. 3. Section 1736.3 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
SEC. 3. Section 1736.3 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:
### SEC. 3.
1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.
1736.3. (a) For purposes of this section, interpreter means an individual who satisfies all of the following conditions:
(1) Is fluent in English and in the preferred language of the applicant. applicants preferred language.
(2) Has not acted as an interpreter for an examination for certification as a home health aid within the year preceding the date of the examination. examination date.
(3) Is not a certified home health aid and has not held a certificate as a certified home health aid aide in the state.
(4) Is not a current or former student in an educational program for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.
(5) Is not a current or former student in a certified home health aid aide apprenticeship program.
(6) Is not a current or former owner or employee of a school for certification as a nurse assistant. certified home health aide.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, beginning July 1, 2026, the department shall do all of the following:
(1) Permit an applicant who to use an interpreter if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English to use an interpreter, at no cost to the applicant, English, to interpret the English verbal written and oral portions of the certified home health aid aide examination to their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other requirements for certification.
(A) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant with any section of an examination that is explicitly intended to test an applicants English language skills.
(B) An interpreter shall not assist the applicant if an examination is offered in the applicants preferred language.
(C) The board shall not charge an applicant a fee, penalty, or surcharge for the applicants use of an interpreter.
(2) Post on the departments internet website that an applicant may use an interpreter to interpret the certified home health aid examination if the applicant cannot read, speak, or write in English, English and the examination is not offered in their preferred language, provided the applicant meets all other competency requirements for certification. This notice shall be posted in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic.
(3) Include an additional section in the certified home health aid application that asks an applicant to identify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.
(c) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall conduct an annual review of the language preferences of applicants for home health aid certification that is applicants language preferences collected from applications.
(d) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2029, the department shall annually report to the Senate and Assembly Health Committees on language preference data collected from certified home health aid aide certification applications.
(2) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2033.