§ 5-71-2 - Declaration of policy and statement of purpose. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 5-71-2

   § 5-71-2  Declaration of policy andstatement of purpose. – (a) It is declared the policy of the state that the practice of interpretingand the practice of transliterating affects, including, but not limited to, thepublic health, safety, welfare, civic, economic, social, academic andrecreational aspects of life, and shall be subject to licensure and regulationin the public's interest. It is further declared that:

   (1) Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or otherindividuals with disabilities whose primary language is sign language have acivil right to effective communication;

   (2) Consumers and those with whom they communicate requireand are entitled to competent, reliable interpreting services, and that theavailability of competent, reliable, credentialed interpreting services arenecessary for consumers to realize their right to full and equal participationin society.

   (b) A purpose of this chapter is to provide minimumqualifications for interpreters and to ensure the health, safety and welfare ofthe public.