Policies

Interpreter no show policy

We do our best to secure, confirm and remind our employees of their assignments. However, in the event an interpreter does not appear as scheduled (e.g., due to illness, scheduling conflict, weather or other public or personal emergency) the Business will not be charged for services. We can attempt to find a substitute interpreter, re-schedule or use an alternate service (e.g. VRI, OPI, remote CART etc.) Options will vary based on the type, time and logistics of the request.

Deaf consumer no show policy

For scheduled assignments lasting up to two hours, the interpreter(s) is required to wait a minimum of 15-20 minutes. If the ‘consumer’ is not present at the confirmed start time of the assignment, BUSINESS can discharge the interpreter immediately or if the ‘interpretation’ can still occur within the allotted time, request that the interpreter wait until for the consumer to arrive. Otherwise, due to the delay, and it is known you cannot proceed, the interpreter(s) should be dismissed and not required to stay simply because of billing minimum purposes, this way they can be ready for another assignment where there is an active actual need, and not negatively impact our local Deaf community service demands, especially any emergency requests. If BUSINESS wants the interpreter(s) to work whether an identified consumer is present or not, this should be made clear at the time the request for interpreting is made (such as general audience access requests). For assignments scheduled for more than two hours, the interpreter will check with the site contact to find out how long to wait.

Team interpreter no show policy

In assignments that require two interpreters, and one interpreter does not appear (e.g., due to illness, scheduling conflict, weather, public/personal emergency), options include but are not limited to: The interpreter can stay, provide partial coverage or complete the entire assignment. The interpreter can be dismissed, and the job rescheduled, since the job is not what was originally assigned. In any case, the assigned interpreter will consult with our office and your onsite contact to determine the best alternative. Relevant factors will be considered including but not limited to:
  • Interpreter. Skill, experience and safety
  • Assignment. Duration and type (nature of the assignment: sick visit; training/lecture etc.)
  • Client. Schedule, cost and liability
  • Consumer. Preference, language type and communication mode
Any such decision will only occur after consultation between the onsite interpreter, BUSINESS’s onsite contact and our coordinator, with any such decision being mutually acceptable to all parties.

Travel Fees

Special Travel: Coordinators give focus and prioritize interpreters local to the request. However, for requests requiring extensive or extraordinary driving travel time (2+ hrs one way) by the interpreter (located out of the region/state), payment for round trip travel time expenses will be charged at the applicable rate of interpreting, and will include tolls. Travel requiring flight and hotel accommodations, must be pre-authorized by BUSINESS and will be invoiced accordingly.

Exceeding Scheduled Times

Sometimes assignments continue beyond the scheduled time period. Interpreters may or may not be able to stay longer due to other commitments. The decision to stay past the scheduled end time is based on their availability, including our coordinator’s discretion. A priority will be given to ensure patient/employee safety based on the nature of the assignment. In some cases, an additional interpreter may be requested to relieve the on-site interpreter.

Request a Consultation

Email:

Phone:

  • 508-699-1477 (voice); answering service supports non-business hours sending messages to on call staff
  • 508-809-4894 (videophone) for ASL users