Code of Professional Conduct - ASL Interpreters

Question 1

Scope of the CPC

Answer 1

To uphold high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct for interpreters as outlined within seven tenets. These tenets include guiding principles and illustrative behaviors.

Question 2

Guiding Principles

Answer 2

The rational behind why each tenet is included in the CPC

Question 3

Illustrative Behaviors

Answer 3

Examples of how one should conduct themselves in order to be in compliance with each of the seven tenets

Question 4

Conflict of Interest

Answer 4

A conflict between the personal interests and the professional responsibilities of an interpreter whether perceived or actual.

Question 5

Perceived Conflict of Interest

Answer 5

A conflict of interest that may not actually exist, even if it is perceived as such.

Question 6

Actual Conflict of Interest

Answer 6

A conflict of interest that is very clear

Question 7

Consumers

Answer 7

Any Individual and entity, hearing, Deaf, Deaf-Blind and HOH, who are part of the interpreted
assignment.

Question 8

Confidentiality

Answer 8

The first tenet of the CPC which requires interpreters to adhere to standard of confidential communication as outlined in the Illustrative behaviors of this tenet

Question 9

Guiding Principle of Confidentiality

Answer 9

As linguistic and cultural facilitators of communication, interpreters are often privy to sensitive and proprietary information. Because of this, confidentiality is of utmost importance and must be exercised to obtain and maintain a position of trust between interpreters and consumers.

Question 10

Confidentiality Illustrative Behavior 1.1

Answer 10

Share information on a confidential “as-needed” basis

Question 11

Who is defined under the “as needed” basis?

Answer 11

Depending on the situation, supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, medical care team, hiring entities.

Question 12

Confidentiality Illustrative Behavior 1.2

Answer 12

Manage data, invoices, records, or other situational or consumer specific information in a manner consistent with maintaining consumer confidentiality

Question 13

Ways to manage data, records, and invoices in a confidential manner:

Answer 13

Encrypted email, document shredding, requiring files with personal information to be password protected, separate laptop for interpreting business

Question 14

Confidentiality Illustrative Behavior 1.3

Answer 14

In situations requiring mandatory reporting such as abuse, threats of suicide, or when responding to a subpoena, interpreters must inform consumers when a mandate for disclosure of confidential information occurs.

Question 15

Professionalism

Answer 15

The second tenet of the CPC which states an interpreter must possess the professional skills and knowledge to interpret each specific assignment.

Question 16

Guiding Principles of Professionalism

Answer 16

Interpreters are expected to keep up to date with linguistic and cultural changes and trends in the field of interpreting as well as within the Deaf community, including knowledge of Deaf related resources. Interpreters must use discernment regarding their own skill level, settings, biases, and the needs of the consumer, when accepting assignments.

Question 17

Professionalism Illustrative Behavior 2.1

Answer 17

Provide interpreting services regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, dis ability, sexual orientation, or any other factor (with neutrality)

Question 18

Professionalism Illustrative Behavior 2.2

Answer 18

Continuously assess the consumers needs and the demands of the assignment, before, during and after in order to make adjustments and/or improve future interactions. Determining possible controls/demands should be ongoing.

Question 19

Professionalism Illustrative Behavior 2.3

Answer 19

Render the message “faithfully” by maintaining the spirit and content of the the message using the language most understood by the consumer. Correct mistakes quickly and discreetly

Question 20

Professionalism Illustrative Behavior 2.4

Answer 20

Request support when needed to fully convey the message or to address exceptional communication challenges

Question 21

Who is defined as support when “requesting support?”

Answer 21

certified deaf interpreters, team members,
language facilitators

Question 22

Examples of “Exceptional Communication challenges”

Answer 22

cognitive disabilities, foreign sign language, emerging language ability, or lack of formal instruction or language

Question 23

Professionalism Illustrative Behavior 2.5

Answer 23

Refrain from providing counsel, advice or personal opinions

Question 24

Professionalism Illustrative Behavior 2.6

Answer 24

Use discernment when providing information or referral regarding available interpreting or community resources without infringing upon consumers’ rights.

Question 25

Conduct

Answer 25

The third tenet of the CPC which requires the interpreter to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the assignment.

Question 26

Guiding Principle of Conduct

Answer 26

Interpreters are expected to present themselves appropriately, in demeanor and appearance, as well as avoid situations where conflict of interest or dual role conflict may occur.

Question 27

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.1

Answer 27

Collaborate with appropriate people in the interpreting environment to determine optimum placement and adaptations necessary to interpret effectively.

Question 28

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.2

Answer 28

Decline assignments or withdraw from the interpreting profession when not competent due to physical, mental, or emotional factors.

Question 29

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.3

Answer 29

Avoid performing dual or conflicting roles in interdisciplinary or other settings.

Question 30

Dual role

Answer 30

An interpreter who holds another position in an organization and interprets when needed. For example, an RN who interprets when the "interpreter on wheels" is MIA.

Question 31

Examples of Interdisciplinary settings

Answer 31

educational, mental health, specialty medical care

Question 32

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.4

Answer 32

Comply with established workplace codes of conduct, notify appropriate personnel if there is a conflict with the NAD- RID CPC, and actively seek resolution when needed.

Question 33

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.5

Answer 33

Conduct and present oneself in an "unobtrusive" manner in both behavior and attire.

Question 34

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.6

Answer 34

Refrain from the use of mind-altering substances before or during the performance of duties.

Question 35

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.7

Answer 35

Disclose to parties involved any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

Question 36

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.8

Answer 36

Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that might cause harm or interfere with the effectiveness of interpreting services.

Question 37

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.9

Answer 37

Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for personal, monetary, or professional gain.

Question 38

Conduct Illustrative Behavior 3.10

Answer 38

Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for the benefit of personal or professional affiliations or entities.

Question 39

Respect for Consumers

Answer 39

The fourth tenet of the CPC requires the interpreter to respect their consumers including Deaf, HOH, Deaf-Blind, and hearing individuals and entities

Question 40

Guiding Principle of Respect for Consumers

Answer 40

Interpreters are expected to honor consumer preferences in selection of interpreters and interpreting dynamics, whenever possible, while keeping in mind the necessity of qualifications, availability, and specifics of the situation.

Question 41

Respect for Consumers Illustrative Behavior 4.1

Answer 41

Consider consumer requests or needs regarding language preferences, and render the message accordingly (interpreted or transliterated).

Question 42

Transliteration

Answer 42

Transliteration is a word by word literal translation from a target language text into the source language also known as glossing

Question 43

Respect for Consumers Illustrative Behavior 4.2

Answer 43

Interact with consumers in professional demeanor at all times.

Question 44

Respect for Consumers Illustrative Behavior 4.3

Answer 44

Obtain the consent of consumers before bringing an intern to an assignment.

Question 45

Respect for Consumers Illustrative Behavior 4.4

Answer 45

Facilitate communication access and equality, while allowing consumers the opportunity to advocate for themselves and be independent.

Question 46

Respect for Colleagues

Answer 46

The fifth tenet of the CPC which requires interpreters to treat colleagues, interns and students of the profession with respect.

Question 47

Guiding Principle of Respect for Colleagues

Answer 47

Interpreters should collaborate respectfully with colleagues to ensure effective interpreting services. An interpreter's interpersonal interactions with their colleagues, interns, students and "baby" interpreters is a direct reflection of the interpreting profession as a whole. Interpreters should not "eat their young" (side note: no one likes a profession that has a reputation of "eating their young).

Question 48

Respect for Colleagues Illustrative Behavior 5.1

Answer 48

Maintain civility toward colleagues, interns, and students

Question 49

Respect for Colleagues Illustrative Behavior 5.2

Answer 49

Consult and collaborate with team members before assignments regarding logistics, give professional and courteous assistance when requested as well as monitor the accuracy of the message while in the role of the support interpreter.

Question 50

Respect for Colleagues Illustrative Behavior 5.3

Answer 50

Privately discuss and resolve inappropriate ethical or professional conduct with other interpreters through standard conflict resolution methods such as "I statements"; file a formal grievance only after such attempts have been unsuccessful or the breaches are harmful or habitual.

Question 51

Respect for Colleagues Illustrative Behavior 5.4

Answer 51

Assist and encourage colleagues by sharing information and engage in mentorship when appropriate.

Question 52

Respect for Colleagues Illustrative Behavior 5.5

Answer 52

Obtain the consent of colleagues before bringing an intern to an assignment

Question 53

Business Practices

Answer 53

The sixth tenet which requires interpreters to maintain ethical business practices.

Question 54

Guiding Principle of Business Practices

Answer 54

Interpreters are expected to conduct their business in a professional manner whether they are an independent contracted or employed through an agency or other entity. Professional interpreters are entitled to a living wage commensurate to their qualifications and expertise. Interpreters are also entitled to working conditions conducive to effective service delivery.

Question 55

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.1

Answer 55

Accurately represent qualifications, such as certification, educational background, and experience, and provide documentation upon request.

Question 56

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.2

Answer 56

Honor professional commitments and terminate assignments only when fair and justifiable grounds exist

Question 57

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.3

Answer 57

Promote conditions for effective communication, inform the parties involved if such conditions do not exist, and adjust accordingly.

Question 58

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.4

Answer 58

Inform necessary parties in a timely manner if delayed or unable to fulfill assignments.

Question 59

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.5

Answer 59

Reserve the option to decline or discontinue assignments if working conditions are not safe, healthy, or conducive to interpreting

Question 60

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.6

Answer 60

Refrain from harassment or coercion before, during, or after assignments or during any profession interaction.

Question 61

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.7

Answer 61

Render pro bono services in a fair and reasonable manner.

Question 62

Business Practices Illustrative Behavior 6.8

Answer 62

Charge fair and reasonable fees for interpreting services and arrange for payment in a professional and judicious manner.

Question 63

Professional Development

Answer 63

The seven tenet of the CPC which requires the interpreter to engage in on-going professional development

Question 64

Guiding Principle of Professional Development

Answer 64

Interpreters are expected to foster and maintain and further develop linguistic skills, cultural awareness and interpreting competence

Question 65

Professional Development Illustrative Behavior 7.1

Answer 65

Seek out opportunities for expanding general knowledge strengthening language skills through a myriad of activities.

Question 66

Examples of Professional Development

Answer 66

* higher education * workshops and conferences; * mentorship opportunities; * participating in community events * engaging in independent studies.

Question 67

Professional Development Illustrative Behavior 7.2

Answer 67

Stay up to date on laws, policies, rules, and regulations that affect the profession as well as its consumers

Question 68

"Reasonable Interpreter Standard"

Answer 68

This term represents the "hypothetical interpreter who is appropriately educated, informed, capable, aware of professional standards, and fair-minded."

Question 69

Colleagues

Answer 69

Other interpreters, student of the field, students

Question 70

Four "Demand" Categories of Interpreting

Answer 70

Environmental, Interpersonal, Paralinguistic, and Intrapersonal

Question 71

Environmental Demands

Answer 71

demands that are specific to the setting such as physical attributes

Question 72

Interpersonal Demands

Answer 72

demands that pertain to interactions between consumers, interpreters and colleagues

Question 73

Paralinguistic Demands

Answer 73

demands specific to the linguistic qualities of the consumer

Question 74

Intrapersonal Demands

Answer 74

demands that are specific to the interpreter and a very important part of conducting assignments ethically and with neutrality.

Question 75

What is an example of an environmental demand and possible control?

Answer 75

It's raining at an outdoor event and the tent they put up as a result is obstructing the Deaf consumer's view of the interpreter. Possible control: This may require interpreter to reposition to continue effective communication.

Question 76

What is an example of an interpersonal demand and possible control?

Answer 76

What was supposed to be a well baby check up and began as a lighthearted, familiar interaction (consumer has good report with provider) has shifted to the discovery that the fetus is no longer viable. Possible control: This will require the interpreter to maintain facial neutrality, and adjust the tone of interaction.

Question 77

What is an example of paralinguistic demand and possible control?

Answer 77

During a mental health assessment, the Deaf consumer, who has been signing clearly and effectively with no signs of distress, suddenly begins producing signs the interpreter doesn't understand. Even after seeking clarification, the interpreter is unable to decipher what the consumer is trying to convey. In fact, it appears that they are signing "gibbish." Possible control: "This is the interpreter speaking. Despite my attempts for clarification, I am unable to establish what your patient is signing. It appears to me that they are not producing meaningful signs at this time.

Question 78

What is an example of an intrapersonal demand and possible control?

Answer 78

The interpreter arrives to an assignment after a very busy morning. Her last assignment went badly and she just wants to go home. This was supposed to be an a team assignment but the team person is a no-show and now she is very angry about this situation. Possible control: Without showing frustration, contact the point person at the assignment and explain that your team mate is running behind, contact the agency and request a back up. Offer to interpret solo until the teamer arrives. Pour a Large glass of wine when it's all over.

Question 79

Pre-assignment Controls

Answer 79

controls implemented before an assignment

Question 80

Assignment Controls

Answer 80

controls implemented during the assignment

Question 81

Post-assignment controls

Answer 81

controls implemented after the assignment

Question 82

Examples of Pre-Assignment Controls

Answer 82

Education, personal and work experience, direct prep for specific assignment, personality traits and biases

Question 83

Examples of Assignment Controls

Answer 83

Acknowledgement of demands, behavior interventions, quality of relationships

Question 84

Examples of Post-Assignment Controls

Answer 84

following up with consumers, referring party, further education on topic, debriefing, self care

Question 85

Values

Answer 85

the basic principles used by individuals to define what is ‘’good” and what we consider to be “bad”

Question 86

Morals

Answer 86

shared ideas, opinions, & that are driven by values that define behavioral expectations through social groups, religious beliefs, family ideals, corporate expectations, and government.

Question 87

Ethics

Answer 87

agreed upon sets of rules, guidelines, and regulations that define acceptable behaviors by and among those involved in a particular profession.

Question 88

Implicit Bias

Answer 88

a negative attitude, of which one is not consciously aware, against a specific social group.

Question 89

Explicit Bias

Answer 89

demonstration of conscious preference or aversion towards a person or group

Question 90

Interpreter Neutrality

Answer 90

an interpreter's ability to detach themselves emotionally from the content being interpreted

Question 91

Fundamental function of the Guiding Principles

Answer 91

To ensure the interpreter will "do no harm"

Question 92

Vicarious trauma

Answer 92

trauma resulting from observing another's traumatic experience or

Question 93

Mandatory reporting

Answer 93

federal and state laws require interpreter to report instances of abuse or threats of suicide

Question 94

Exceptions to confidentiality highlighted in the CPC:

Answer 94

federal and state laws requiring mandatory reporting of abuse or threats of suicide, or when responding to subpoenas.

Question 95

Coercion

Answer 95

persuading an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats

Question 96

Philosophy behind the CPC

Answer 96

The American Deaf community has the inalienable right to full and equal communication and participation in all aspects of society. Members of the American Deaf community have the right to informed choice and the highest quality interpreting services.