FL H0443

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind must designate a statewide entity to issue credentials to interpreters and transliterators serving deaf or hard of hearing persons.

Persons providing interpreting or transliterating services for compensation or pro bono under federal disability laws must possess a valid credential issued by the designated entity, effective July 1, 2012.

Establishes the Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Board to recommend policies and procedures for credentialing, based on standards from the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and National Association of the Deaf.

Exempts out-of-state credentialed interpreters for 2 years after initial employment, emergency situations, students under supervision, and hospital emergency services until a credentialed interpreter is secured.

Public funds cannot be used to employ interpreters or transliterators without valid credentials; the credentialing entity may seek injunctive relief against uncredentialed practitioners.