Introduced by:  Western Carolina Medical Society

Referred to:        Reference Committee No. 1 – Timothy M. Beittel, MD, Chair

WHEREAS, the immigrant population in North Carolina grew 67.2% between 2000 and 2010; and

WHEREAS, most immigrants have limited English proficiency and speak English “less than well” according to US census data; and

WHEREAS, clear communication between patient and provider is responsible for better patient compliance and essential for positive health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that limited English proficiency patients have access to “culturally and linguistic appropriate services” at no cost to the patient; and

WHEREAS, interpreter services represent a significant and burdensome cost for healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, in 2000, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services reminded states that they could include language services as an administrative or optional covered service in their Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs, and thus directly reimburse providers for the costs of these services for program enrollees; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina has been a leader in addressing health disparities as evidenced by the NC Health & Wellness Trust Fund and the NC Office of Minority Health; and

WHEREAS, currently, 12 U.S. states and the District of Columbia offer reimbursement for interpreter services; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the North Carolina Medical Society seek to establish reimbursement of a reasonable rate to physicians in North Carolina for interpreter services for patients who are covered by both private insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare and Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs; and be it further (action)

RESOLVED, That the North Carolina Medical Society supports physician reimbursement for interpreter services that covers the entire patient encounter from their check-in until they have completed the check-out process, and be it further (policy)

RESOLVED, That the North Carolina Medical Society supports establishment of a certification/credentialing exams for medical interpreters in conjunction with University of North Carolina Greensboro at the earliest opportunity, and be it further (policy)

RESOLVED, That the North Carolina Medical Society supports development of a medical interpreter certification process to address the needs of the Spanish-speaking population first, and supports development of a timeline for the development of medical interpreter certification process for other languages based on population demands. (policy)

Fiscal Note:  Estimated additional budget impact:  $20,000.  Current resources will be allocated based on the priorities of the Society and the NCMS budget.

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