Sec. 1. 24 MRSA §2317-B, sub-§12-B is enacted to read:

12-B. Title 24-A, sections 2761, 2847-L and 4252.__Coverage for sign language interpreters, Title 24-A, sections 2761, 2847-L and 4252;

Sec. 2. 24-A MRSA §2761 is enacted to read:

§2761. Coverage for sign language interpreters

1. Sign language interpreter; definition.__For the purposes of this section, "sign language interpreter" means a person fluent in American Sign Language who provides intermediary interpreting between a deaf or hard-of-hearing person and another person.

2. Required coverage.__All individual health policies and contracts must provide coverage for the provision of a sign language interpreter for a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing in accordance with the following requirements.

A.__The hearing loss must be documented by a physician or audiologist licensed pursuant to Title 32, chapter 77.

B.__Sign language interpreter services must be provided by a certified interpreter licensed pursuant to Title 32, chapter 22.

C.__A sign language interpreter must be provided for all covered nonhospital medical and dental care appointments applicable under this Title.

Sec. 3. 24-A MRSA §2847-L is enacted to read:

§2847-L. Coverage for sign language interpreters

1. Sign language interpreter; definition.__For the purposes of this section, "sign language interpreter" means a person fluent in American Sign Language who provides intermediary interpreting between a deaf or hard-of-hearing person and another person.

2. Required coverage. All group insurance policies, contracts and certificates must provide coverage for the provision of a sign language interpreter for a person who is deaf or hard-of- hearing in accordance with the following requirements.