Interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing; expenses

A. Any hospital or medical expense insurance policy delivered or issued for delivery in this state on or after December 1, 1991, shall contain a provision or endorsement requiring payment for expenses incurred by the insured for services performed by a qualified interpreter/transliterator, other than a family member of the insured, when such services are used by the insured in connection with medical treatment or diagnostic consultations performed by a physician, dentist, chiropractor, or podiatrist, provided such medical treatment or consultation is covered under said insurance policy and provided the services are required because of hearing loss of the insured or a failure of the insured to understand or otherwise communicate in spoken language. B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to limited benefit health insurance policies or contracts. Acts 1991, No. 609, §1; Acts 1995, No. 593, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 22:215.10 by Acts 2008, No. 415, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 919, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2017, No. 146, §5. NOTE: Former R.S. 22:1027 redesignated as R.S. 22:807 by Acts 2008, No. 415, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009.