Texas House Bill HB233

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/14/08
• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of an advisory committee to establish and recommend qualifications for certain health care translators and interpreters.

Impact

The establishment of this advisory committee will be significant in shaping the standards and practices within the field of health care translation and interpretation. It is anticipated that the committee will set qualifications that may include specific training hours, practical experience requirements, and certification exams. This regulatory framework is likely to enhance the quality of care provided to non-English speaking patients, potentially leading to better health outcomes. Additionally, the committee will recommend legislative measures to enforce these standards, directly influencing state laws related to healthcare practices.

Summary

House Bill 233 aims to create an Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters in Texas. This committee will be responsible for establishing and recommending the necessary qualifications for individuals serving as health care translators and interpreters. Given the increasing diversity in the state's population, the need for qualified interpreters has become crucial for ensuring effective communication within healthcare settings, particularly for patients with limited English proficiency. The committee is expected to play a vital role in improving patient care by ensuring that interpreters meet specific standards of proficiency and training.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB233 may involve the potential implications of establishing formal regulations for health care interpreters and translators. While advocates argue that qualified interpreters are essential for patient safety and proper communication, there may be concerns about the accessibility of such training programs and certification processes for individuals currently working as interpreters without formal qualifications. Moreover, discussions may arise regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and the need to ensure that a diverse pool of interpreters is available to meet the needs of Texas's varied population.