§ 336 - Rules; information; list of interpreters - Vermont Statutes

§ 336. Rules; information; list of interpreters

(a) The Vermont commission of the deaf and hearing impaired shall, by rule, establish factors to be considered by the presiding officer under section 333 of this title before appointing an interpreter who is not a qualified interpreter. Such factors shall encourage the widest availability of interpreters in Vermont while at the same time ensuring that the interpreter:

(1) is able to communicate readily with the deaf or hard of hearing person;

(2) is able to interpret accurately statements or communications by the deaf or hard of hearing person;

(3) is able to interpret the proceedings to the deaf or hard of hearing person;

(4) shall maintain confidentiality;

(5) shall be impartial with respect to the outcome of the proceeding;

(6) shall not exert any influence over the deaf or hard of hearing person; and

(7) shall not accept assignments the interpreter does not feel competent to handle.

(b) Rules established by the Vermont commission of the deaf and hearing impaired pursuant to subdivision 331(a)(3) of this title amending the standards of competency established by the national or Vermont Registry of the Deaf shall be limited to the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The Vermont commission of the deaf and hearing impaired shall prepare an explanation of the provisions of this subchapter which shall be distributed to all state agencies and courts.

(d) The department of social and rehabilitation services shall maintain a list of qualified interpreters in Vermont and, where such information is available, in surrounding states. The list shall be distributed to all state agencies and courts. (Added 1987, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2005, No. 167 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. May 20, 2006.)