Interpreters can start applying immediately to be part of online database. Minnesota health care providers will soon have a new way to find interpreter services for patients with limited English skills.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is about to launch a new "Interpreter Services Quality Initiative," designed to improve health care access for Minnesotans who face significant language barriers. The interpreter initiative was established through legislation passed by the 2008 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty on May 29.

The initiative will be implemented in two phases, beginning with the establishment of a volunteer roster for people who are available statewide to provide spoken language interpreter services in health care settings. Anyone wishing to be listed will need to complete an application form and pay a $50 fee.

In the second phase, a registry will be established for health care language interpreters in Minnesota, as part of a broader effort to professionalize the field of health care language interpretation. To be listed on the registry, interpreters will need to meet minimum professional qualifications. Qualifications for listing on the registry will be developed later.

MDH began listing interpreters for the roster on Nov. 13 and it will be available to providers in early 2009. The roster will provide, for the first time, a single location where health care providers can find a listing of health care interpreters available statewide. It will include information about interpreter services for the 21 non-English languages most commonly spoken in Minnesota, as well over 100 other possible languages. Health care providers who visit the Web site will be able to find information about language interpreter services for specific health-related subjects and health care specialties. Interpreters will have access to information about professional opportunities, including training, networking and employment.

The roster will be the foundation for eventual development of the interpreter registry. MDH will be working with the Minnesota Interpreting Stakeholder Group (ISG) to develop a set of recommended qualifications for interpreters wishing to be listed on the registry. Members of the ISG include interpreters, representatives of language services agencies, educators, the medical profession, health care systems and state government agencies.

An eventual goal of the interpreter initiative is the establishment of a formal certification program for health care interpreters. Certification would be based on successful completion of a national certification exam, which is still under development.

Interpreters who wish to be included on the roster can sign up online or download a paper application form at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/pqc/hci/index.html. They can also request an application form by sending their name and address to hop-web@health.state.mn.us or calling 651-201-3731.