1. Idaho Sign Language Interpreter Licensure
Steve Snow
Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
LaVona Andrew
Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board
May 2018

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

3. Order of Info Framework Exemptions & Registrations Settings
Full license
Provisional license
Process & Documentation
Complaints & Violations

4. 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

5. Current Timeline 2017: Interpreter License Law Passed
2018: Amendments & Rules Passed
July 1, 2018: Interpreters must be Licensed
May 2018: First interpreters licensed
Now: Applications open for all licenses and registrations
Rep. Kelly Packer

6. Current Timeline Upcoming license board meetings: - June 5 June 29
July 19
Aug 23
July 1, 2018: Age can apply
Picture of Rep. Kelly Packer

7. 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

8. 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

9. Students in ITP: Exempt
Interpreter Training Program (ITP) students do not have to register or be licensed
In Idaho: only ISU’s B.Sc. program
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

10. Courts: Exempt, but… Exempt from License law
ICAR Rule 52 – amendments for sign language interpreters are being worked on and will be submitted for Language Access Committee review this fall

11. Deaf Interpreters: Register
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.”
There is a form
Letters of endorsement can be withdrawn

12. Out-of-State: Register & Report
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

13. Education: Limited Exemption
If you meet requirements of Educational Interpreter Act, work in K-12 setting is waived from licensure requirement
Interpreting for public K-12 STUDENTS only
Preschool or Adults: license required
Work outside K-12 public school setting requires a general license or exemption
If you do not meet the EIA requirements, it is unlicensed practice

14. 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

15. 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

16. General (Full) License
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

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

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

19. Provisional Permits Opportunity to get experience!
May apply for 1 year permit; fee $130
Expectation is to be fully licensed within the year
May apply for 2nd and 3rd year extensions
May work only while under the supervision of a person fully licensed
Supervisors have additional requirements

20. Provisional Permits Training plan & quarterly reports
Weekly meetings, observation of work
Supervisors may limit the settings where permit holder works

21. 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

22. Documentation Age: Copy of Driver’s License, etc.
Education: Copy of diploma/degree, Transcript
RID Credential: Print & include member card
EIPA Exam: Depends* (IESDB is best option)
Other test, credential, or state license: Directly from that entity

23. EIPA Info
Best option: Release info to IESDB (Joelynne Ball); she can provide verification to IBOL
If you already did – Great! Joelynne
If you haven’t – mail release to BoysTown to send info to Joelynne

24. Complaints
The board is authorized to institute any investigation, hearing, or other legal proceeding
Anyone can file
Not anonymous
Professional investigators

25. Violations Information may be public
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
Information may be public

26. The Floor is Now Yours
Questions & Answers