FL S0980

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind must designate a statewide entity to issue credentials to interpreters and transliterators providing services to deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind persons.

All persons providing interpreting or transliterating services for remuneration or pro bono under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, and related federal and state laws must hold a valid credential, effective July 1, 2012.

Persons holding valid credentials from another state may practice in Florida for 2 years after initial employment without obtaining a Florida credential.

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

Emergency exceptions apply for situations involving immediate injury or economic loss, students under supervision, and hospital emergency services where delay in obtaining a credentialed interpreter may harm a patient.