It is state law that in order to work in Rhode Island, an interpreter or transliterator must possess a valid license issued from the Rhode Island Department of Health. Three types of licensure may be issued to sign language interpreters and/or transliterators:





A Certified License shall be granted to interpreters and/or transliterators who have met the certification requirements as set forth in regulations promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

A Screened License shall be granted to interpreters who have met the educational requirements as set forth in regulations promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Health, and who have successfully completed a recognized state screening or state equivalent as determined by the Rhode Island Department of Health in consultation with the Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf.

A Temporary (student) License shall be granted to persons who are currently enrolled in an accredited interpreter training program to practice interpreting and transliterating. Persons who receive the temporary license shall be supervised by the interpreter training program. The licensure is only valid while the person is enrolled as a student in the program and supervised by a nationally certified interpreter.




Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf


According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Health Regulation, "The Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf acts in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health and to the Director of Health in all matters pertaining to the practice of the profession. The Board is responsible for the review and approval of applications for initial licensure, the formulation and promulgation of Rules and Regulations pertaining to the practice of the profession and for the overall exercise of disciplinary authority over all persons regulated under the statute. It is the mission of the Board to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the regulated profession, that the care and services which these individuals provide are within the standard of practice of the profession and that they maintain their professional competence through continuing education activities if required by statute."


Board Meeting Dates for 2010

February 9, 2010
June 8, 2010
October 12, 2010

Location:
3 Capitol Hill- Room 104
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2828 (phone)
(401) 222-1272 (fax)
email: Michael Martineau, Administrator
jmichel.martineau@health.ri.gov



RI Dept. of Health Licensee Verification

To verify the status of an interpreter's license, view:
www.health.ri.gov/hsr/professions/license.php



Applying for a License

Contact the Rhode Island Department of Health at:
www.health.ri.gov/hsr/professions/inter_deaf_app.php