under the State Plan. 1.06-2 Interpreter Services A. Providers must ensure that MaineCare members are able to communicate effectively with them regarding their medical needs. MaineCare will reimburse providers for interpreters required for limited and non-English speaking members and/or deaf/hard of hearing members, when these services are necessary and reasonable to communicate effectively with members regarding health needs. Interpreter services can only be covered in conjunction with another covered MaineCare service or medically necessary follow-up visit(s) to the initial covered service. B. Family members or personal friends may be used as interpreters, but cannot be paid. "Family" means any of the following: husband or wife, natural or adoptive parent, child, or sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepbrother or stepsister, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, grandparent or grandchild, spouse of grandparent or grandchild or any person sharing a common abode as part of a single family unit. Family members or friends, with the exception of those individuals under the age of 18, may be used as non-paid interpreters if: 1. requested by the member; and 2. the use of this friend or family member does not compromise the effectiveness of services or violate the member’s confidentiality; and 3. the member is advised that an interpreter is available at no charge to the member. C. If a paid interpreter is hired, providers can select the interpreter. However, should the interpreter provide transportation to the member, MaineCare will not reimburse the interpreter for transporting the member while concurrently billing for interpreter services. All interpreter services must be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. D. When providers request reimbursement for any interpreter services, the services must be included in the member record. Documentation must include a statement verifying the interpreter qualifications, date, time and duration of service, language used, the name of the interpreter, and the cost of performing the service. 1.06 COVERED AND NON-COVERED SERVICES (cont.) E. Providers are responsible for ensuring that interpreters protect patient confidentiality and adhere to an interpreter code of ethics. Providers shall document that interpreters have provided evidence of having read and signed a code of ethics for interpreters equivalent to the model included as Appendix #1. This shall be deemed as compliance with this requirement.
under the State Plan. 1.06-2 Interpreter Services A. Providers must ensure that MaineCare members are able to communicate effectively with them regarding their medical needs. MaineCare will reimburse providers for interpreters required for limited and non-English speaking members and/or deaf/hard of hearing members, when these services are necessary and reasonable to communicate effectively with members regarding health needs. Interpreter services can only be covered in conjunction with another covered MaineCare service or medically necessary follow-up visit(s) to the initial covered service. B. Family members or personal friends may be used as interpreters, but cannot be paid. "Family" means any of the following: husband or wife, natural or adoptive parent, child, or sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepbrother or stepsister, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, grandparent or grandchild, spouse of grandparent or grandchild or any person sharing a common abode as part of a single family unit. Family members or friends, with the exception of those individuals under the age of 18, may be used as non-paid interpreters if: 1. requested by the member; and 2. the use of this friend or family member does not compromise the effectiveness of services or violate the member’s confidentiality; and 3. the member is advised that an interpreter is available at no charge to the member. C. If a paid interpreter is hired, providers can select the interpreter. However, should the interpreter provide transportation to the member, MaineCare will not reimburse the interpreter for transporting the member while concurrently billing for interpreter services. All interpreter services must be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. D. When providers request reimbursement for any interpreter services, the services must be included in the member record. Documentation must include a statement verifying the interpreter qualifications, date, time and duration of service, language used, the name of the interpreter, and the cost of performing the service. 1.06 COVERED AND NON-COVERED SERVICES (cont.) E. Providers are responsible for ensuring that interpreters protect patient confidentiality and adhere to an interpreter code of ethics. Providers shall document that interpreters have provided evidence of having read and signed a code of ethics for interpreters equivalent to the model included as Appendix #1. This shall be deemed as compliance with this requirement.
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