Oregon 2023 Regular Session

Oregon House Bill HB2240

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/11/23  
Report Pass
2/14/23  
Engrossed
3/1/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Report Pass
6/15/23  
Enrolled
6/21/23  
Passed
7/13/23  
Chaptered
7/24/23  

Caption

Relating to requirements to use health care interpreters; and declaring an emergency.

Impact

By mandating the use of certified interpreters, HB 2240 is positioned to enhance patient safety and care efficacy, particularly for individuals with limited English proficiency. This law is expected to influence how health care facilities operate, requiring them to implement training and compliance measures to ensure they meet the new standards. As such, existing health care laws may be amended to incorporate these interpreter requirements, thus broadening the scope of access in health care frameworks across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2240 establishes requirements for the use of health care interpreters in medical settings, aimed at improving communication between patients and health care providers. The bill emphasizes ensuring that non-English speaking patients have adequate access to interpreter services to better understand their medical situations and treatments. The legislation is a response to the growing recognition of the needs of diverse populations in health care and aims to reduce language barriers that can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate care.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 2240 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among health care advocates and community organizations. Supporters argue that the bill represents significant progress toward equitable health care access, acknowledging the importance of effective communication in delivering quality medical services. However, there may be some skepticism regarding the implementation costs and logistical challenges that health care facilities may face in complying with the new interpreter mandates.

Contention

Despite the general support, there might be some contention surrounding how health care facilities will adapt to these new requirements, particularly in rural areas where access to trained interpreters may be limited. Discussions in committee meetings touched upon the potential need for additional funding or resources to facilitate compliance, especially for smaller health care providers. Evaluating these challenges is crucial to ensure that the implementation of HB 2240 does not inadvertently exacerbate disparities in health care access.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR SB584

Relating to health care interpreters.

OR HB2696

Relating to sign language interpreters; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB967

Relating to health care; declaring an emergency.

OR SB1562

Relating to sign language interpreters; declaring an emergency.

OR SB844

Relating to public health.

OR SB1174

Relating to the Board of Licensed Dietitians and Nutritionists; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB4034

Relating to health care; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB966

Relating to health; and declaring an emergency.

OR HB1719

Relating to the regulation of health care interpreters.

OR SB1578

Relating to health care interpreters; prescribing an effective date.

Similar Bills

CA SB1155

Court interpreters: small claims proceedings.

CT HB06765

An Act Concerning Interpreter Qualifications.

CA AB1032

Courts: court interpreters.

CT HB05321

An Act Concerning Interpreter Qualifications.

CA AB3066

Mobilehome Residency Law Protection Act.

MS HB1223

Court interpreters; technical revisions to program administered by Administrative Office of Courts.

CT HB06932

An Act Concerning The Establishment Of A State Interpreting Standards Board.

MS HB1217

Court interpreters; revise program under the Administration of the Administrative Office of Courts.