Bill Would Require Payment for Interpreters

A bill in Nebraska would require employers to pay for interpreters for injured workers who cannot readily communicate in English or another language spoken by a medical provider. Under changes proposed in LB 1056, introduced Wednesday, employers would be responsible for “all reasonable costs of interpretation services” related to medical, surgical or hospital care when an employee cannot readily understand or communicate in the language the provider uses. The provision would apply within the state’s workers' compensation system and is intended to ensure that injure...