BILL REQ. #:  S-4277.2 

Read first time 02/01/12.   Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     AN ACT Relating to interpreter services; and adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall establish a master contract or contracts for spoken language interpreter services for state executive agencies, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The department shall develop and implement a new model for delivery of such services no later than January 1, 2013. The model shall include:
     (a) The requirement that the state contract with delivery organizations, including foreign language agencies, which employ or subcontract with in-state language access providers certified by the state. When a state-certified or state-authorized in-state language access provider or interpreter is not available, the delivery organization, including foreign language agencies, may use a provider with other certifications or qualifications deemed to meet state standards, including interpreters in other states;
     (b) Development by the department in consultation with subject area experts of guidelines to assist in identifying the circumstances under which it is appropriate to use telephonic or video remote interpreting; and
     (c) Provision of a secure, web-based tool that agencies will use to schedule appointments for interpreter services and to identify the most appropriate, cost-effective method of service delivery in accordance with the state guidelines.
     Nothing in this subsection affects the ability to provide interpretive services through employed staff or through telephone and video remote technologies when not reimbursed directly by the department.
     (2) If the health care authority has completed a competitive procurement of a system comparable to that described in subsection (1) of this section prior to September 2013, it is exempt from the requirement to contract through the department.
     (3) If the health care authority has completed a competitive procurement of such a system prior to September 2013, the system procured for use by other state agencies shall, to the maximum extent possible, be consistent and coordinated with that system.