1. Idaho Sign Language Interpreter Licensure
LaVona Andrew
Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board
April 21, 2018

2. Today’s format Present the info Question & Answer
Applications & Notary
But what about your specific situation?
Read the law and rules
Contact me: phone, video, in person
cell

3. Why did we need a law
Bill Millios. Identifying the Power of Conscious Vulnerability. StreetLeverage – Live 2017 | St. Paul. Segment: 9:12-10:15
Deaf people are at a distinct disadvantage with incomplete, incorrect, and unethically-delivered information
Anyone in Idaho can advertise as an interpreter with no personal repercussions / serious repercussions for Deaf
Quality control measure to ensure that Deaf and hearing consumers receive appropriate interpreting services
Reduce general threats to the health and safety of Deaf people statewide
Ensure grievance procedures for affected parties

4. Current Timeline 2017: Interpreter License Law Passed
2018: Amendments & Rules Passed
July 1, 2018: Interpreters must be Licensed
Now: Applications open for
General License
Out of state (endorsement) license
Out-of-state Registrations – work up to 30 days/year
Rep. Kelly Packer

5. Current Timeline Upcoming license board meetings:
- May 22: First group of applications considered; licenses granted
After May 22:
Deaf interpreters can register
Provisional applications submitted
(Both require licensed interpreter involvement)
- June 29: License board meeting
July 1, 2018: Age can apply
Picture of Rep. Kelly Packer

6. Where to get info Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses ibol.Idaho.gov
Left-hand navigation to Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services Licensure Board
Left-hand navigation for information

7. Exemptions
Religious setting: church, synagogue, or other worship setting
Private, non-commercial, family event
Inconsequential situation: level of significance is such that a licensed interpreter would not be deemed necessary for effective communication
Temporarily in exigent/emergency circumstance

8. Courts Exempt from License law
ICAR Rule 52 – amendments for sign language interpreters will be discussed at Idaho State Supreme Court’s Language Access Committee meeting on April 30

9. All Applications Annual renewal on birthday
Mail or drop-off at IBOL office
Must use application form
Pay fee by check or money order
Prove credentials, if required
From another state must be sent directly to IBOL
Obtained high school diploma or equivalent
Must be 21
After July 1: Age lowers to 18
Annual renewal on birthday

10. Deaf Interpreters Must register with the board; no fee
Provide two letters of endorsement from licensed interpreters.
Letters must include “an explanation as to why the sign language interpreter believes that the deaf interpreter has the skills and the knowledge to perform this role.”
Proposing a checklist form
Letters of endorsement can be withdrawn

11. Students ITP students do not have to register or be licensed
An ASL program is not an ITP
Must work under the supervision of fully licensed interpreters as part of their program
Supervisors must meet additional requirements

12. Out-of-State Interpreters
If certified or licensed in another state, may work in Idaho up to 30 days/year
Must register BEFORE working: $10/year
Must report time worked within 5 days
May apply for Idaho license to work without restriction
Application available now

13. Provisional Permits Opportunity to get experience!
May apply for 1 year permit; fee $130
May apply for 2nd and 3rd year extensions
Training plan & quarterly reports
Weekly meetings, observation of work
May work only while under the supervision of a person fully licensed
Supervisors have additional requirements

14. Educational Interpreters
If you meet requirements of Educational Interpreter Act, work in K-12 setting is waived from licensure requirement
If you do not meet the EIA requirements, it is unlicensed practice and may subject to discipline for both interpreter & hiring entity
Work outside a educational setting requires a general license or exemption

15. Video Relay Service (VRS)
If interpreter lives in Idaho, must have license
If interpreter lives in other state but works in Idaho call center, must follow all rules for out- of-state interpreters
If live and work in other state, outside Idaho’s jurisdiction

16. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
Keep jurisdiction if Deaf person is in Idaho
If interpreter is in Idaho, must have license
If interpreter is not, must follow all rules for out-of-state interpreters

17. General License Annual renewal on birthday
Application form, agree to follow CPC
Fee: $100 for general license
Achieve certification or pass a competency examination; these are defined by board rule
Obtained high school diploma or equivalent
Must be 21
After July 1: Age lowers to 18
Annual renewal on birthday

18. Accepted Certifications
Must be current and valid
RID
CASLI
NAD
BEI: Basic or Intermediate (pre-2014)
Utah: Professional or Master level

19. Accepted Exams Require BOTH written and performance Written
NIC, CDI, EIPA, or any state-issued interpreting generalist written exam
Performance
EIPA 4.0+ or RID-recognized exam, passed within past 20 years

20. Complaints
The board is authorized to institute any investigation, hearing, or other legal proceeding
Professional investigators

21. Violations
Violations may be referred to appropriate prosecuting attorneys
License may be suspended or revoked
Misdemeanor
Fine up to $1,000
And/or imprisoned in a county jail

22. The Floor is Now Yours
Questions & Answers