Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

Information from the national organization for sign language interpreters- the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) including tenets guiding professional behavior and documents outlining best practices and industry standards. Link to Site Page

ASL interpreters encounter a wide variety of situations ranging from public events to very personal medical and counseling settings. Both the Deaf and hearing parties involved need to be assured that the interpreter is a skilled professional who will accurately convey the intent of what has been communicated.
Tenets Summary from RID Code of Professional Conduct

• Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.
• Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.
• Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.
• Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
• Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.
• Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.
• Interpreters engage in professional development

CODE OF ETHICS – A member of NVRA shall:

1. Exhibit absolute impartiality toward all participants in the proceedings; be truthful and accurate when making public statements or advertising qualifications and services provided; and offer comparable services and financial arrangements to all.
2. Preserve confidentiality; respect privileged information and confidences, oral or written, entrusted to the reporter or learned indirectly; guard against not only the fact of but the appearance of impropriety; avoid giving or receiving any gift, incentive or reward of substance to or from any persons associated with the proceedings; and immediately notify all parties of any possible or potential conflict of interest.
3. Refrain from giving, directly or indirectly, any gift, incentive, reward or anything of value to attorneys, clients, or their representatives or agents, except for nominal items that do not exceed $50.00 in the aggregate per recipient firm each year.
4. Determine fees independently, except when established by statute or court order; enter into no unlawful agreements with others on fees; and honor contracts, agreements and assigned responsibilities.
5. Be prompt to all assignments and maintain a dignified appearance in dress and deportment; respect all participants in a proceeding; and not offer counsel, advice or personal opinions.
6. Prepare the record, and preserve the notes/recordings, in accordance with guidelines established by rule, statute or court order; strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and dignity in both the process and products of professional work; and maintain the integrity of the profession
7. Acquire and maintain professional competence; stay abreast of changes in the law, legal procedures and technological developments relating to the reporting profession; and participate in continuing education programs.
8. Exhibit ethical conduct while participating in the NVRA testing and continuing education programs.
9. Participate in national, state and local associations to advance the quality and standards of the reporting profession; improve public understanding of the reporting profession; and cooperate with the bench and bar for the improvement of the administration of justice.
10. Understand and accept that there is a consequence for misconduct, up to and including membership revocation, and that those who have been or are sanctioned by a government agency or convicted in a court of law of an action that is in violation of this Code may be barred from membership or expelled from the organization.
11. Abide by the Constitution and By laws of NVRA.

Code of Professional Ethics – A Member Shall:

1. Be fair and impartial toward each participant in all aspects of reported proceedings, and always offer to provide comparable services to all parties in a proceeding.
2. Be alert to situations that are conflicts of interest or that may give the appearance of a conflict of interest. If a conflict or a potential conflict arises, the Member shall disclose that conflict or potential conflict.
3. Guard against not only the fact but the appearance of impropriety.
4. Preserve the confidentiality and ensure the security of information, oral or written, entrusted to the Member by any of the parties in a proceeding.
5. Be truthful and accurate when making public statements or when advertising the Member’s qualifications or the services provided.
6. Refrain, as an official reporter, from freelance reporting activities that interfere with official duties and obligations.
7. Determine fees independently, except when established by statute or court order, entering into no unlawful agreements with others with respect to fees to any user.
8. Refrain from giving, directly or indirectly, any gift or anything of value to attorneys or their staff, other clients or their staff, or any other persons or entities associated with any litigation, which exceeds $150 in the aggregate per recipient each year. Nothing offered in exchange for future work is permissible, regardless of its value. Pro bono services as defined by the NCRA Guidelines for Professional Practice or by applicable state and local laws, rules and regulations are permissible in any amount.
9. Maintain the integrity of the reporting profession.
10. Abide by the NCRA Constitution & Bylaws.