Iowa Interpreter Licensure Board Continues WorkIn PDF format
Judy Gouldsmith, CI & CT
In the original language of the interpreter licensure law, there was no opportunity for an individual holding a temporary license to renew his/her license without passing an examination approved by the board and there was no provision for a student enrolled in an Interpreter Training Program to interpret without a license.
The board worked hard to develop language that was submitted in a bill by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure this past legislative session to amend the original language to provide a reasonable amount of time for an individual to prepare for the required examination and exempt students in an enrolled course of study. The bill passed and was signed by the governor on June 2, 2006. The language can be found in HF 2734. The new language is as follows:
Sec. 98. NEW SECTION. 154E.3A TEMPORARY LICENSE.
Beginning July 1, 2007, an individual who does not meet the requirements for licensure by examination pursuant to section 154E.3 may apply for or renew a temporary license. The temporary license shall authorize the licensee to practice as a sign language interpreter or transliterator under the direct supervision of a sign language interpreter or transliterator licensed pursuant to section 154E.3. The temporary license shall be valid for two years and may only be renewed one time in accordance with standards established by rule. An individual shall not practice for more than a total of four years under a temporary license. The board may revoke a temporary license if it determines that the temporary licensee has violated standards established by rule. The board may adopt requirements for temporary licensure to implement this section.
Sec. 99. Section 154E.4, subsection 2, Code Supplement 82 35 2005, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
NEW PARAGRAPH. e. Students enrolled in a school of interpreting may interpret only under the direct supervision of a permanently licensed interpreter as part of the student's course of study.
It must be clarified that while the legislation mentions that a temporary license is given for two years with the opportunity to extend it for an additional two years (for a maximum of four years), individuals might not always be able to take advantage of the four years. Only those individuals who get their temporary license at the beginning of a renewal cycle would actually get the opportunity to have four years. Others who get their first temporary license in the middle of a renewal cycle would actually end up having less than four years, depending on when they were granted licensure. This is because the Code defines licensure renewal periods that start and end on odd years for this board.
The board is now working to define what "direct supervision" will entail for both the interpreter who holds a temporary license and the student enrolled in an Interpreter Training Program.
All rules that have been adopted by the board for interpreter licensure can be found on the web site for the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure. The address is: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/licensure/board_home.asp?board=ihi. Click on the drop down list under "Board Navigation", then click on "Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired" and click "Go." Once there, click on the drop down menu under "Page Navigation."
To download the rules, click on "Laws and Rules". The following chapters are posted on the web site:
All of the chapters are in .pdf format. There are also links on the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page regarding Continuing Education, Fees, the application process, etc.
Everyone currently holding a temporary or permanent license will have to reapply for license renewal by June 30, 2007. The fees for licensure have increased slightly. Effective January 25, 2006, the licensure fee for both a permanent license and a temporary license is $120. For a list of all fees related to licensure, visit either the FAQs page on the web or download Chapter 364 from the Laws and Rules page.
Another rule of interest to interpreters is the continuing education requirement. For each two year period starting with the second license renewal (2009), all licensed interpreters (both temporary and permanent) shall be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours (4 CEUs) of continuing education. The 40 hours shall include no less than 30 hours (3 CEUs) of professional studies. The remaining 10 hours (1 CEU) may be in either professional or general studies. The following language is included in the Continuing Education Chapter: "Those persons licensed for the first time shall not be required to complete continuing education as a prerequisite for the first renewal." This means a licensee is not required to actually have completed their first 40 hours of continuing education until the licenseeÕs second renewal. Following the second renewal, 40 hours of continuing education credit are required for every renewal after that. For a complete list of the requirements, download Chapter 362 from the Laws and Rules page.
It must be emphasized that the board is considering administrative rule changes as it defines "direct supervision" for temporary license holders that may affect the continuing education requirements of those licensees. It is important that all licensees, including temporary licensees, understand the regulations that affect their license and comply with all administrative rules and Code requirements.
To obtain a list of licensed interpreters in the state, scroll to the bottom of the "Frequently Asked Questions" page and click on the "download" link.
Comments, concerns and questions regarding interpreter licensure may be directed to the Board Administrator. His name and contact information are as follows:
Pierce Wilson, Board Administrator
Bureau of Professional Licensure
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Bldg., 5th Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Office: (515) 242-6529
FAX: (515) 281-3121
E-mail: pwilson@idph.state.ia.us
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