SB 1253

Abstract

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning care coordination, provides that Managed Care Entities (MCEs), including MCOs and all other care coordination organizations, shall develop and maintain a written language access policy that sets forth the standards, guidelines, and operational plan to ensure language appropriate services and that is consistent with the standard of meaningful access for populations with limited English proficiency. Provides that the language access policy shall describe how the MCEs will provide all of the following required services: (1) translation (the written replacement of text from one language into another) of all vital documents and forms as identified by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services; (2) qualified interpreter services (the oral communication of a message from one language into another by a qualified interpreter); (3) staff training on the language access policy, including how to identify language needs, access and provide language assistance services, work with interpreters, request translations, and track the use of language assistance services; (4) data tracking that identifies the language need; and (5) notification to participants on the availability of language access services and on how to access such services.