Court Opinion

ID: 2790407
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-03-31 19:07:36.176426+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:28:54.352557
License: Public Domain

Supreme Court of Florida
                                  ____________

                                 No. SC14-1055
                                 ____________

        IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES FOR
     CERTIFICATION AND REGULATION OF SPOKEN LANGUAGE
                    COURT INTERPRETERS.

                               [March 31, 2015]
                              REVISED OPINION

PER CURIAM.

      The Court Interpreter Certification Board (Board) asks the Court to adopt

amendments to the Florida Rules for Certification and Regulation of Spoken

Language Court Interpreters (Court Interpreter Rules). We have jurisdiction. See

art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

      This Court has charged the Board with the responsibility to continuously

study the court system’s interpreting services program and to consider and propose

program changes to improve the provision of court interpreting services. Under

Court Interpreter Rule 14.110(f)(5), the Board has authority to make

recommendations to the Court on language access issues and to recommend
amendments to court rules relating to court interpreting services. With the minor

exceptions discussed below, we adopt the amendments as proposed.

      In March 2014, this Court adopted amendments to the Court Interpreter

Rules. See In re Amends. to Fla. Rules for Certif. & Regul. of Court Interprtrs.,

136 So. 3d 584 (Fla. 2014). With those amendments, we established and set the

qualifications for the three “designations” of court interpreters: certified, language-

skilled, and provisionally approved. The amendments also subjected undesignated

interpreters working in the courts by court appointment on a regular or recurring

basis to the court interpreters’ Code of Professional Conduct and, to a limited

extent, to the disciplinary procedures for designated court interpreters.

      The amendments we adopt today include a definition of the term “court

interpreter” that is more inclusive than previously understood. “Court interpreter”

is defined to include all persons providing spoken language interpreting services in

all court and court-related proceedings, except those providing services without

pay to indigent persons when court appointment is not required. We also adopt a

definition of “court-related proceeding” that will make clear that the provision of

high-quality court interpreting services is intended to include not only proceedings

presided over by a judge, magistrate, or hearing officer but also ancillary activities

such as depositions, mediations, and other similar proceedings. The purpose of

                                         -2-
these amendments is to broaden the application of the Court Interpreter Rules and

to elevate the quality of court interpreter services throughout the court system.

      The new rules require all court interpreters, as newly defined, to register

with the Office of the State Courts Administrator. The act of registration will now

be an interpreter’s first step toward becoming a designated interpreter. After an

individual registers, the rules require the registrant to make progress toward

achieving designation by undertaking the required qualifying steps with respect to

training, experience, and testing. Other changes are made throughout the rules to

coordinate existing provisions with the new registration requirement.

      Under the amendments we adopt today, the Code of Professional Conduct

and disciplinary rules will apply to all court interpreters, as newly defined, working

in the court system.

      The amended rules will apply the standards of the court interpreter

certification program more broadly throughout the court system. Current rule

14.205, Certified Court Interpreter Designation, provides that certified interpreters

are given preference in court appointments, contracts for interpreter services, and

interpreter staff hiring decisions. Rule 14.215, Language Skilled Designation,

provides that language-skilled interpreters are given preference in court

appointments. Amended rules 14.205 and 14.210 (current rule 14.215 is

renumbered as 14.210) extend the preference for certified and language-skilled

                                         -3-
interpreters to “selection, appointment, staffing, [and] private retention of court

interpreters.” These changes are intended to promote the use of more highly

qualified interpreters when interpreters are privately retained as well as when they

are court-appointed.

      As part of a reorganization that changes the order in which various

provisions will appear in the body of rules, current rule 14.210, Waiver of

Examination Requirement, is renumbered as rule 14.220. Current rule 14.210(b)

provides: “Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to the board, the examination

requirement shall be waived for anyone who has passed an equivalent examination

in another state, if in accordance with board-approved requisites.” As proposed for

inclusion in subdivision (b) of new rule 14.220, this sentence reads: “Upon

presentation of proof satisfactory to the board, the examination requirement shall

be waived for anyone who has taken an equivalent examination in another state

and meets minimum qualifying board-approved requisites.” We do not agree that

the words “has passed an equivalent examination” should be changed to read “has

taken an equivalent examination.” We retain the words “has passed” in adopting

new rule 14.220(b). Also, we change the heading of subdivision (b) from

“Reciprocity” to “Equivalent Examination” to more accurately describe the content

of the subdivision.

                                         -4-
      In addition to the matters discussed above, the amendments include changes

in the organization of the rules and changes to coordinate the various new

provisions with the existing rules and to make terminology consistent.

      We thank the members of the Court Interpreter Certification Board for their

service in preparing these rule amendments for our consideration. We adopt the

rule amendments shown in the appendix to this opinion. New language is

indicated by underlining. Deleted language is shown in struck-through type. All

of the amendments will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2015, except for

amended rules 14.200(a), 14.205(b)(1), 14.210(b)(1), and 14.215(a)(1). The latter

amendments will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2015.

      It is so ordered.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and PERRY, JJ., concur.

Original Proceedings – Court Interpreter Certification Board Committee

Judge Jon Kevin Abdoney, Chair, Court Interpreter Certification Board, Tenth
Judicial Circuit, Bartow, Florida, and Judge William Elbridge Davis, Past Chair,
Court Interpreter Certification Board, Eighth Judicial Circuit, Gainesville, Florida;
and James Calvin Goodlett, Staff Liaison, Office of the State Courts Administrator,
Tallahassee, Florida,

      for Petitioner

                                        -5-
Kathleen Regina Pugh, Trial Court Administrator, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida,

      Responding with comments

                                      -6-
                                     APPENDIX

      FLORIDA RULES FOR CERTIFICATION AND REGULATION
         OF SPOKEN LANGUAGE COURT INTERPRETERS
                       PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Rule 14.100.        Definitions

      The following terms have the meanings shown as used in these rules:
       (a) Court Interpreter. Any person providing spoken language court
interpreting services during a court or court-related proceeding, except persons
performing such services without remuneration on behalf of indigent persons in
circumstances not requiring appointment of a court interpreter.

       (ab) Certified Court Interpreter. An interpreter who has completed all
requirements for certification in accordance with these rules and holds a valid
certificate issued by the Office of the State Courts Administrator.

       (bc) Language Skilled. A designation reserved for interpreters who have
completed all requirements in accordance with these rules, but who are seeking
certification in a spoken language for which there is no state-certifying
examination, such persons holdingand hold a valid certificate issued by the Office
of the State Courts Administrator.

      (cd) Provisionally Approved. A designation reserved for interpreters of
spoken languages for which a state-certifying examination is available, who,
although not yet certified, have passed the oral performance exam at a lesser
qualifying prescribed level and hold a valid certificate issued by the Office of the
State Courts Administrator.

       (de) Duly Qualified Interpreter. An interpreter who is certified or
language skilled, or, if a certified or language skilled interpreter is unavailable, a
provisionally approved interpreter, as these terms are defined under
sectionssubdivisions (ab) through (cd) above.

      (f) Court. Any county, circuit or district court of this state or the Supreme
Court of Florida.

      (g) Court Proceeding. Any hearing or trial presided over by a state court

                                          -7-
judge, general magistrate, special magistrate, or hearing officer within the state
courts system.

       (h) Court-Related Proceeding. Any event, including, but not limited to, a
deposition, mediation, arbitration, or examination, which occurs or could be made
to occur as a result of a court order, subpoena, or general law, and for which the
primary purpose is the communication or exchange of information related to a
claim or defense in or the settlement of a pending or impending court case.
However, a law enforcement investigation which does not yet involve the
participation of the prosecuting authority shall not be considered a court-related
proceeding.

       (ci) Board. The Court Interpreter Certification Board.

       (fj) Compliance Period. The two-year period beginning upon official
designation as a certified, language skilled, or provisionally approved court
interpreter.

      (g) Court. Any county, circuit or district court of this state or the Supreme
Court of Florida.

       (hk) State-Certifying Examination. A full or abbreviated board-approved
oral performance examination designed to objectively measure whether a
candidates possesses the minimum levels of language knowledge and fluency and
interpreting skills required to perform competently during court proceedings.

       (il) Written Examination. An initial qualifying or screening examination
designed to measure a candidate’s literacy in English, familiarity with, and usage
of, court-related terms, and/or knowledge of matters regarding interpreter ethics
and related professional conduct.

       (jm) Full Oral Performance Examination. An oral examination which
measures language knowledge and fluency in both English and non-English
languages, as well as the ability to successfully render meaning in target and
source languages in simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, and
sight translation of documents.

      (kn) Abbreviated Oral Performance Examination. An oral examination
assessing functional proficiency to competently interpret simultaneously in court
from English to a non-English language, and prerequisite to which a candidates

                                         -8-
must satisfy board-approved oral proficiency interviews in both English and non-
English languages.

       (lo) Oral Proficiency Interview. A standardized language proficiency
interview assessing functional speaking ability in both English and non-English
languages.

      (mp) Modes of Court Interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation,
consecutive interpretation, and sight translation of documents in a court setting.

        (q) Transcription. The process of preserving audio or videotaped sound
files in written form, duplicating the original, together with its translation into the
target language, and, when used for evidentiary purposes, produced in dual-
language format with the original and translation appearing side-by-side.

       (r) Translation. Converting a written text from one language into written
text in another language.

Rule 14.110.         Court Interpreter Certification Board

       (a) Board Composition. The Court Interpreter Certification Board is
created to supervise a process by which interpreters may become certified or
otherwise duly qualified, and in accordance with which the conduct of all court-
appointed persons engaged in spoken language interpreting in the courts shall be
governed. The board shall be under the supervisory authority of the Supreme
Court of Florida. It shall be composed of ten persons, appointed by the chief
justice, as follows:

      (1)   two county court judges;
      (2)   three circuit court judges;
      (3)   three trial court administrators;
      (4)   one federally certified court interpreter; and
      (5)   one state certified court interpreter.

      (b) Staff. Such staff as may be necessary to administer the program and
permit the board to carry out its duties shall be provided by the Office of the State
Courts Administrator insofar as funded by the Florida Legislature.

                                          -9-
    (c) Officers; Quorum. The chief justice shall appoint one of the board
members to serve as chair. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.

       (d) Vacancies. Any vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by
the chief justice. A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder
of the term of the member being replaced.

      (e) Terms. All terms shall be three years. Members shall be eligible for
reappointment.

      (f) Duties. The duties of the board shall include:

       (1) certificationregistration, designation, regulation, and discipline of all
court interpreters, and, upon failure to comply with these rules, suspension, and
revocation of certification ofregistrations and acquired designations court
interpreters;

      (2) designation, regulation, and discipline of language skilled and
provisionally approved court interpreters, as well as suspension and revocation of
designation upon failure to become certified within prescribed time frames;

       (3) regulation and discipline of court-appointed interpreters who, although
neither certified nor otherwise qualified in accordance with these rules, are
permitted to provide court interpreting services when a certified, language skilled,
or provisionally approved interpreter is unavailable;

      (42) the authority to periodically review and adopt new or amended board
operating procedures consistent with these rules;

      (53) the authority to make recommendations to the supreme court regarding
language access issues and amendment of court rules relating to provision of
spoken language court interpreting services; and

      (64) performance of such other assignments relating to provision of spoken
language court interpreting services as may be directed by the chief justice of the
supreme court.

       (g) Fees. The board shall have the authority to recommend to the supreme
court such fees as the board may deem necessary to permit it to carry out its duties,

                                         - 10 -
including, but not limited to, orientation fees, examination fees, application fees,
renewal fees, and late fees. All such fees shall be made payable to the State of
Florida and shall be non-refundable.

      (h) Records; Registry. The board shall maintain records and minutes of its
meetings and all other official actions. It shall also maintain a record of all
continuing education credits earned by registered, certified, language skilled, and
provisionally approved court interpreters. It shall also maintain separate registries
containing the name and, as applicable, designation number, renewal date, and
geographic areas where services are available for each registered and officially
designated court interpreter.

      (i) Expenses. Members of the board shall serve without compensation.
However, they shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties, in compliance with all rules and statutes governing
such reimbursement.

    PART II. INTERPRETER REGISTRATION AND DESIGNATIONS
Rule 14.200.        QualificationRegistration

       (a) Exclusive DesignationsRegistration. Individuals providing court
interpreting services shall be designated certified court interpreters, language
skilled, or provisionally approved upon qualifying in accordance with these rules.
As a descriptive term employed in relation to the provision of court interpreting
services, “duly qualified” refers exclusively to those persons who are certified or
language skilled, or, if a certified or language skilled interpreter is unavailable, a
provisionally approved interpreter. Court interpreters shall, prior to providing
interpreter services, become registered with the Office of the State Courts
Administrator.
      (b) General Prerequisites. Unless otherwise provided, all applicants
completing prerequisites for any of the three official state-level court interpreter
designationsregistration must:

       (1) as an initial prerequisite, attend a two-day orientation program
administered by the Office of the State Courts Administrator or board-approved
training provider;

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       (2) pass a written examination approved by the board, which shall include
an ethics component;

      (3) submit an approved reporting form documenting completion of 20 hours
of courtroom observation;

       (4) take an oath to uphold the Code of Professional Conduct adopted in
these rules;
      (5) undergo and pass a background check according to standards prescribed
by the board and published in board operating procedures;

      (6) agree to obtain 16 credits of continuing education from a continuing
education program approved by the board; and

       (7) submit an application for certification, language skilled, or provisionally
approved designation and enclose an initial application fee in an amount set by the
supreme court. agree to diligently pursue designation as a certified, language
skilled, or provisionally approved interpreter and, within the first year of any two-
year registration period, submit to:

             (i) at least 1 full oral performance examination approved by the
      board, or, in the event a full oral performance examination is unavailable,
      submit to a board-approved abbreviated oral examination and demonstrate
      functional speaking ability in English and a non-English language through
      oral proficiency interviews as a prerequisite to taking the abbreviated
      examination;

            (ii) at least 1 approved oral proficiency interview in English and a
      non-English language for which there is no state-certifying examination as
      an assessment of functional speaking ability; or

              (iii) at least 1 equivalent state-certifying examination in another state
      that is in accordance with board-approved requisites; and

       (8) submit an application for registration and enclose an initial application
fee in an amount set by the supreme court.

      (c) Renewal. Registration under this rule shall be valid for a period of 2
years. Before any person’s registration may be renewed, he or she must have

                                        - 12 -
completed 16 credits of continuing education through a board-approved program
and comply again with subdivisions (b)(3) through (b)(7) of this rule. The board
shall provide written notice of expiring registrations at least 90 days before
expiration. Applications for renewal of registration must be accompanied by a fee
in an amount set by the supreme court.

       (d) Administrative Revocation. Registration shall be automatically
revoked for any person who fails to submit to at least one of the foregoing
examinations within the first year of any two-year registration period, except for
registrants who have achieved the designation of certified, language skilled, or
provisionally approved during a prior two-year registration period. A court
interpreter whose registration is revoked under this subdivision shall not be eligible
for registration for a period of 1 year following revocation and must thereafter
comply with all requirements of subdivision (b) of this rule.

       (e) Threshold Performance. Registration may be revoked at the discretion
of the board for any person who fails to attain minimum scores, in accordance with
standards prescribed by the board and published in board operating procedures, on
the sight translation, simultaneous interpretation, and consecutive interpretation
components during a single test administration as specified under subdivision
(b)(7)(i) or (b)(7)(iii), or who fails to demonstrate satisfactory functional speaking
ability as prescribed by the board during an oral proficiency interview under
subdivision (b)(7)(ii).

       (f) Persons Holding Valid Designation. A person holding the designation
of certified, language skilled, or provisionally approved interpreter is deemed to be
registered during the time he or she holds such designation. Renewal of the
designation of certified, language skilled, or provisionally approved interpreter
shall be governed by rule 14.230.

       (g) Loss of Designation. Any certified, language skilled, or provisionally
approved court interpreter whose designation expires, is suspended, or revoked
shall be deemed unregistered on the 181st day following loss of designation, unless
the board, in its discretion, sets a shorter period of time. Any person failing to
renew registration within 181 days after loss of designation, or such lesser number
of days as may be set by the board, shall cease providing interpreter services in all
court and court-related proceedings.

                                        - 13 -
Rule 14.202.       Exclusive Designations

      Court interpreters shall be designated certified, language skilled, or
provisionally approved upon qualifying in accordance with rules 14.205, 14.210,
and 14.215.

Rule 14.205.       Certified Court Interpreter Designation

       (a) Preferred Appointment, Retention, and Staffing. The certified court
interpreter designation represents the highest qualified state-level interpreter
designation and shall be the preferred designation when selecting court-appointed
interpreters, arranging for contractual interpreter services, and making staff hiring
decisions in the selection, appointment, staffing, or private retention of court
interpreters.

       (b) Requirements. An applicants seeking designation as a certified court
interpreter must:
       (1) pass a full oral performance examination approved by the board, unless
qualifying for a waiver of the examination requirement under rule 14.210, or, in
the event a full oral performance examination is unavailable, pass a board-
approved abbreviated oral examination and demonstrate functional speaking ability
in English and non-English languages through oral proficiency interviews as a
prerequisite to taking the abbreviated examination and qualifying for
certificationregister under provisions of rule 14.200, complying with subdivisions
14.200(a), (b)(1) through (b)(6), and (b)(8);

       (2) meet all general prerequisites under rule 14.200pass a board-approved
full oral performance examination upon attaining a minimum score in accordance
with standards prescribed by the board and published in board operating
procedures, unless qualifying for a waiver of the examination requirement under
rule 14.220; and

       (3) absent availability of a full oral performance examination, pass a board-
approved abbreviated oral examination, attaining a minimum score in accordance
with standards prescribed by the board and published in board operating
procedures, and demonstrate functional speaking ability in English and a non-
English language as prescribed by the board through oral proficiency interviews as

                                        - 14 -
a prerequisite to taking the abbreviated examination and qualifying for
certification; and

      (34) complete the process leading to designation within two2 years
following the orientation required under rule 14.200(b)(1)submission of an
application for registration, unless extended by the board in exceptional
circumstances.

       (c) Court-Employed Interpreters. Applicants who are selected as
employee interpreters, but who are not certified at the time of court employment,
shall become certified within one1 year of being employed in a court interpreting
position. The one-year requirement may be modified by the board on a case-by-
case basis, if necessary, only in exceptional circumstances.

Rule 14.210.        Waiver of Examination Requirement

       (a) Federal Certification. Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to the
board, the oral performance examination requirement shall be waived for anyone
holding a federal courts certificate which is issued by the Administrative Office of
the United States Courts and whose name appears on the registry of federally
certified interpreters. No other component of certification is waived by this rule.

     (b) Reciprocity. Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to the board, the
examination requirement shall be waived for anyone who has passed an equivalent
examination in another state, if in accordance with board-approved requisites.

Rule 14.21510.      Language Skilled Designation

       (a) Preferred Appointment, Retention, and Staffing. The language
skilled designation represents the highest qualified state-level interpreter
designation next beneath full certification and shall be the preferred designation
over non-designated interpreters when selecting court-appointed interpretersin the
selection, appointment, staffing, or private retention of court interpreters in the area
of the language skilled individual’s linguistic expertise.

                                         - 15 -
       (b) Requirements. An applicants seeking designation as a language skilled
court interpreter skilled in a spoken language for which there is no state-certifying
examination may seek designation as language skilled interpreters upon must:

       (1) passing an approved oral proficiency interview in English and the non-
English language as an assessment of functional speaking abilityregister under
provisions of rule 14.200, complying with subdivisions 14.200(a), (b)(1) through
(b)(6), and (b)(8); and

       (2) meeting all general prerequisites under rule 14.200.pass an approved
oral proficiency interview in English and a non-English language, attaining a
minimum score in accordance with standards prescribed by the board and
published in board operating procedures, as an assessment of functional speaking
ability; and

       (3) complete the process leading to designation within 2 years following
submission of an application for registration, unless extended by the board in
exceptional circumstances.

        (c) Conditional Designation. In the event a language-specific state-
certifying examination becomes available, a language skilled interpreters shall be
required to take and pass the certifying examination within two2 years of notice of
its availability. Failure to become certified within this two-year period shall result
in loss of the language skilled designation, unless the board approves an extension
in exceptional circumstances.

Rule 14.22015.      Provisionally Approved Designation

       (a) Requirements. An Iindividuals not yet certified in a spoken languages
for which a state-certifying examination is available, but who have has taken the
oral performance exam, may be designated as provisionally approved upon:

       (1) scoring a minimum 60 percent on each section of the oral exam and an
overall 65 percent or greater registering under provisions of rule 14.200,
complying with subdivisions 14.200(a), (b)(1) through (b)(6), and (b)(8);

                                        - 16 -
       (2) meeting all general prerequisites under rule 14.200attaining minimum
scores on each section of the oral exam in accordance with standards prescribed by
the board and published in board operating procedures; and

       (3) completing the process leading to designation within two2 years
following the orientation required under rule 14.200(b)(1)submission of an
application for registration, unless extended by the board in exceptional
circumstances.

        (b) Loss of Designation. Following designation as a provisionally
approved interpreter, if the interpreter fails to become certified within two2 years,
or within one 1 year if the individual is employed in a court interpreting position,
the interpreter will forfeit the designation unless the board approves an extension
in exceptional circumstances.

Rule 14.220.        Waiver of Examination Requirement

       (a) Federal Certification. Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to the
board, the oral performance examination requirement shall be waived for anyone
holding a federal courts certificate which is issued by the Administrative Office of
the United States Courts and whose name appears on the registry of federally
certified interpreters. No other component of certification is waived by this rule.

       (b) Equivalent Examination. Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to
the board, the examination requirement shall be waived for anyone who has passed
an equivalent examination in another state and meets minimum qualifying board-
approved requisites. No other component of registration, certification, language
skilled, or provisionally approved designation is waived by this rule.

Rule 14.225.        Issuance of Certificates

       Upon satisfactory completion of the specified requirements, the board shall
issue a certificate for each official designation which shall include a designation
number and date of issue. Letters confirming registration shall be issued to
persons satisfying requirements under rule 14.200.

                                        - 17 -
Rule 14.230.       Renewal of Certificates

       (a) Renewal. Once issued, the certificate for a certified court interpreters
shall remain renewable unless suspended or revoked by the board. The language
skilled designation may also be renewed conditioned upon continued unavailability
of a state-certifying examination in the language for which this designation has
been granted. Absent an extension of time granted only in exceptional
circumstances, failure to become certified within two2 years, or one1 year for
anyone employed in a court interpreting position, will result in forfeiture of a
provisionally approved designation. Renewal of registration shall be undertaken as
provided under rule 14.200(c).

       (b) Biennial Renewal Fee. Each certified and language skilled court
interpreter shall pay a biennial renewal fee in an amount set by the supreme court.
A certificate shall be suspended automatically upon non-payment, but shall be
reinstated upon application to the board, accompanied by payment and made
within 60 days of the date of suspension. Upon expiration of the 60-day grace
period, any request for reinstatement must be made in accordance with rule 14.450.

       (c) Notification. The board shall notify all certified, language skilled, and
provisionally approved court interpreters in writing of the expiration date of their
certificates at least 90 days before such date. Notice shall be given by regular
United States mail, directed to the last mailing address on file with the board.

       (d) Continued Status in Exceptional Circumstances. If the board
determines exceptional circumstances warrant an extension of time within which a
language skilled or provisionally approved interpreter may obtain certification, the
interpreter will not forfeit the respective designation during the period of
extension. A language skilled or provisionally approved interpreter who is granted
an extension must, in lieu of a biennial renewal fee and as a condition of
maintaining formal designation, pay a fee in an amount proportionate to the time of
extension.

                                        - 18 -
               PART III. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Rule 14.300.       Professional Conduct

       Each certified, language skilled, and provisionally approved court
interpreter, as well as court-appointed individuals providing interpreting services
because of the unavailability of officially designated state-level All court
interpreters, shall act in a professional manner in keeping with the Code of
Professional Conduct as set forth herein. Failure to adhere to the Code may lead to
disciplinary action. Disciplinary action is at the discretion of the board.

                             PART IV. DISCIPLINE

Rule 14.400.       Application

       Each certified, language skilled, and provisionally approved court
interpreter, as well as court-appointed individuals providing spoken language
interpreting services on a regular or recurring basis because of the unavailability of
officially designated state-level court interpreters, All court interpreters shall be
subject to the disciplinary provisions under this part.

       Disciplinary action may be undertaken against a court-appointed interpreter
holding no official state-level designation only in circumstances suggesting
intentional disregard for impartiality or fairness of the proceeding. A presumption
of bias arises if, having been apprised of his or her role and having subsequently
been cautioned by the court, an interpreter persists in altering or omitting
statements made on the record or otherwise acts in a manner potentially
prejudicing the proceeding.

Rule 14.405.       Suspension or Revocation

       (a) Suspension or Revocation. A certificate issued in accordance with
these rulesAny official state-level interpreter designation or registration may be
suspended or revoked. for any of the following reasons:

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      (b) Cause. Any of the following may constitute cause:

      (a1) conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude,
dishonesty, or false statements;

       (b2) fraud, dishonesty, or corruption which is related to the functions and
duties of a court interpreter;

       (c3) continued false or deceptive advertising after receipt of a cease and
desist notice from the board;

      (d4) gross incompetence or unprofessional or unethical conduct;

       (e5) fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining or renewing any state-level
court interpreter designation or registration;

      (f6) noncompliance with rule provisions directing completion of law-related
professional interpreting assignments or continuing education requirements; or

      (g7) nonpayment of renewal or late fees.

Rule 14.430.        Disciplinary Dispositions

       (a) Burden of Proof. If the hearing panel finds that there is clear and
convincing evidence that the court interpreter has violated one or more of these
rules, it shall impose such discipline as it may deem appropriate, consistent with
these rules.

       (b) Vote Required; Notification. All decisions of the hearing panel shall
be by majority vote, in writing and, if adverse to the court interpreter, shall contain
factual findings supporting the decision. A copy of the decision shall be sent to the
court interpreter by certified United States mail.

      (c) Sanctions. Sanctions may consist of one or more of the following:

      (1) a private reprimand;

                                        - 20 -
      (2) a public reprimand;

      (3) the imposition of costs and expenses incurred by the hearing panel in
      connection with the proceeding, including investigative costs;

      (4) restitution;

      (5) a requirement that specified continuing education courses and/or
      additional law-related professional interpreting assignments be completed
      within a specified period of time;

      (6) a requirement that one or more parts of the certifieda court interpreter
      examination be successfully taken or retaken;

      (7) a limitation on the scope of practice or interpreting services;

      (8) a requirement that work be supervised;

      (9) suspension of registration or official state-level designation for a period
      not to exceed one1 year; or

      (10) revocation of registration or official state-level designation.

      Rule 14.450.        Reinstatement

       A court interpreter whose registration or certificateofficial state-level
designation has been suspended or revoked may, at any time, apply in writing for
reinstatement. Such request shall explain why the applicant believes that he or she
should be reinstated, and shall be accompanied by a renewal fee in an amount set
by the board. Whether to grant or to deny such a request shall rest in the sole and
absolute discretion of the board. The board may impose such conditions upon
reinstatement as it deems appropriate.

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