Health Care Interpreter Roster Frequently Asked Questions

Persons on the roster have varying levels of qualifications. Currently, there is no certification available in Minnesota for health care interpreters. At least two organizations provide national certification; however, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) does not require that an interpreter be certified by these organizations in order to be on the MDH roster.

National Certification organizations include: National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters and Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters.

No. Currently none of the information is verified. References and background checks are the responsibility of the person employing the interpreter.

Payment and transportation of the interpreter are the responsibility of the person employing or hiring the interpreter, unless otherwise provided by law.

No. Health care interpreters in Minnesota are not required to be listed on the roster in order to interpret in Minnesota. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2011, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare will no longer cover face-to-face oral language interpreter services if the interpreter is not listed on the roster (Minnesota Statutes, subsection 256B.0625; see subdivison 18a).

The community of health care providers and the Minnesota Department of Health strongly encourage all interpreters to apply to be listed on the roster. Consider these reasons; the roster:

• Is a single source accessible to everyone for finding available spoken language health care interpreters.
• Provides quick access to interpreting resources in the event of a public health or personal emergency.
• Helps health care providers in Greater Minnesota find interpreters for rural residents.
• Helps persons speaking languages not commonly found in Minnesota by assisting the health care provider in finding an interpreter.
• Provides access to information about professional opportunities including:
  • training
  • networking
  • employment
• Finally, providers may give preference to interpreters on the roster.

The annual fee is required by the Legislature to pay the costs of creating and maintaining the Health Care Interpreter Roster and the website and the application process to be on the roster. The fee is nonrefundable and covers a 12-month period beginning on the date interpreter searches can be done or the date payment is received, whichever is later.

1. Go to Apply to the roster on the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System.
2. Choose your primary email address (this will also be your user ID).
   • It is your responsibility to keep this email address up to date to maintain access to your roster and receive renewal updates. Please email health.hci@state.mn.us if you need to change your email.
3. Choose a password, save it in a safe place.
4. You will need your user ID and password to login, update and renew your roster account information.
5. Follow the instructions on each page of the application.
6. The payment page is on the last page of the application. Remember to submit your payment and be sure you receive a confirmation email of proof of payment. Alternatively, you may mail a check, payable to "Department of Health."

Your user ID is the email address you used when you registered for the roster.

If you forgot your user ID/ email address, you can call 651-201-4200, or email health.hci@state.mn.us, and provide us with additional information to confirm your identity.

It is your responsibility to keep this email address up to date to maintain access to your roster, and receive renewal updates. Please contact us if you need to make changes to your email address/user ID.

1. At this link: Renew, Change or Update Information, you are asked to enter your user ID, which should be your current email address.
2. Once you enter your email as your user ID, click on the link next to the password box titled, "don't remember your password?"
3. A password will be emailed to your email address on file.
   • Please check the spam/junk mail box in case the email does not show up in your inbox.
   • Follow the instructions in the email.
4. Once you have changed your password, return to the login page and log in.

You may wish to add health.hci@state.mn.us as a trusted email source to prevent emails going to spam.

If you are still having issues logging into the roster, please contact us.

Log in to your account in the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System to update your information.