OAR 309-065-0040: Bilingual Service and Sign Language Provider Qualifications

(1) Individual providers who deliver direct care services in a language other than English or in sign language may be eligible to receive enhanced payments for direct care services delivered in a language other than in English, or in sign language. Oral or sign language interpretation is not eligible for this enhanced payment. (2) In order to qualify for enhanced payment, a direct care behavioral health provider must: (a) Be enrolled as a Medicaid Behavioral Health provider with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA); (b) Be a Bilingual service provider and identify the language(s) other than English that the provider uses in providing direct care services to clients that speak the language(s); (c) For bilingual service providers, provide: (A) Proof of having passed a language proficiency assessment by an OHA approved language proficiency testing center in the last three years for the language(s) identified; or (B A narrative detailing how proficiency in the language was acquired, such as growing up in a home where this language was the primary language used if no language proficiency assessment is available in a particular language. (d) For providers using Sign Language, provide: (A) Proof of current sign language interpreter certification from an OHA approved sign language interpreter testing center; or (B) A narrative detailing how proficiency was acquired in sign language, such as growing up in a home where sign language was the primary language used. (3) Nothing in this rule is intended to exempt a health care provider from complying with ORS 413.559 and OAR 950-050-0160.