Interpreting is a profession that needs to be regulated in order to ensure at least a minimum standard of quality. Licensing affords both a measure of quality assurance and a means of legal recourse in the event that a mis-interpretation causes harm. This is the protection that both Deaf and hearing consumers deserve. Currently, Missouri, South Dakota, Rhode Island, and Kentucky have broad licenses regulating all interpreters. Many states, including New York, have laws for educational and legal interpreters.
Most states are in the process of establishing broad and inclusive licensing laws.
To view the laws that apply to each state, check out the comprehensive list on the Virginia RID website. On a final note, legislating licensing requirements is a long process. We need feedback from everyone. If this document has not answered your questions, please contact us. We are available to come to your area to talk with your local groups.