NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is
intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the
legislature. The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume
responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used for
other purposes.
The most recent FIR
version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative
Website. The Adobe PDF version includes
all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the
LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.
SPONSOR: |
Begaye |
DATE TYPED: |
3/5/03 |
HB |
785 |
||
SHORT TITLE: |
Navajo Speaker for Las Vegas Medical Center |
SB |
|
||||
|
ANALYST: |
Dunbar |
|||||
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation
Contained |
Estimated
Additional Impact |
Recurring or
Non-Rec |
Fund Affected |
||
FY03 |
FY04 |
FY03 |
FY04 |
|
|
|
$50.0 |
|
|
Recurring |
GF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Parenthesis
( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
Responses
Received From
Department
of Health (DOH)
SUMMARY
Synopsis
of Bill
House Bill 785 appropriates $50.0 from the general fund to the Department of Health for expenditure in fiscal year 2004 for the purpose of hiring a clinical social worker for the Las Vegas medical center who is a native Navajo speaker.
Significant Issues
Currently a contracted interpreter provides
Navajo language interpretation for patients.
DOH states that there have been no known difficulties reported by either
the Patient Advocate or the Protection and Advocacy System with the
contractor. DOH emphasizes that
patients at the Las Vegas Medical Center may have other language interpretation
needs that are not addressed through HB 785. This bill limits interpretation services
to only one language. DOH suggests that
the appropriation might be better utilized by contracting with a national
company that could provide interpretation services not only for Navajo patients
but also for patients with other language
needs.
It should also be noted that sign language for the deaf is also
considered by the Las Vegas Medical Center under services required to provide
appropriate patient care for those respective patients.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The appropriation of
$50.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any
unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 04 shall revert
to the general fund.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Currently this service is contracted. In Fiscal year 2002, the contractor provided 431 hours of Navajo interpretation. In this current Fiscal year, 2003, the contractor has provided 450 hours of Navajo interpretation through January 16, 2003. These services are provided as needed.
BD/njw