The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) Health Equity Committee has identified a need for an Interpreter Access Task Force to help identify gaps and barriers to interpreter access across the state.
The task force will meet 3-5 times within a 12-month period, as determined by the task force chair and MAFP staff. It will connect with other interested parties, including representatives from the interpreter and patient communities, to work on answering the following questions:
- What are the biggest barriers for patients in accessing interpreters?
- Is there a role for MAFP in addressing those barriers — and if so, what are the next steps?
Interested in joining the Interpreter Access Task Force or have insights to share? Email us to share your experiences and resources, or to express interest in joining the task force.
Legislative Action to Improve Interpreter Access
Barriers persist in accessing live interpreters at clinics across Minnesota, even though systems are in place.
Recently, bills HF2007/SF2043 were introduced to create a health care interpreter services working group tasked with providing recommendations to improve and support access to health care interpreting services statewide. The MAFP is in support of these bills and any effort to bridge the language gap between patients and health care providers.
Member-Adopted Resolutions on Interpreter Access
The following resolutions have been adopted by the MAFP over the years regarding access to quality interpreters within Minnesota’s health care system, specifically primary care.
- Resolution 2023-04: Coverage for live, in-person interpreter services under Minnesota Medical Assistance.
- Resolution 2021-09: Support for high-quality interpreter services, along with research, patient rights awareness, advocacy, expanded access, interpreter protections and telehealth strategies.
- Resolution 2019-17A: Monitoring and evaluating legislation related to interpreter training, access and quality standards.
- Resolution 2017-08: Support for expanding and funding community health workers in underserved communities, including growing training programs, increasing diversity among enrollees and integrating workers into care teams.
These resolutions reflect a strong and consistent concern among Minnesota family physicians: patients are not always receiving the language support they need within the health care system and in clinical settings
Take Action: Lend your voice—share your experiences or step into a role on the Interpreter Access Task Force. Interested? Email us.
