Confidentiality

Question 1

Tenet:

Answer 1

Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.

Question 2

Guiding Principle:

Answer 2

Interpreters hold a position of trust in their role as linguistic and cultural facilitators
of communication. Confidentiality is highly valued by consumers and is essential to protecting
all involved.
Each interpreting situation (e.g., elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education, legal, medical,
mental health) has a standard of confidentiality. Under the reasonable interpreter standard, professional
interpreters are expected to know the general requirements and applicability of various levels
of confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality include, for example, federal and state laws requiring
mandatory reporting of abuse or threats of suicide, or responding to subpoenas.

Question 3

How many parts?

Answer 3

3

Question 4

1.1

Answer 4

Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “as-needed” basis (e.g.,
supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities).

Question 5

1.2

Answer 5

Manage data, invoices, records, or other situational or consumer-specific information in a
manner consistent with maintaining consumer confidentiality (e.g., shredding, locked files).

Question 6

1.3

Answer 6

Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential
information.

Question 7

Illustrative Behavior - All

Answer 7

1.1 Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “as-needed” basis (e.g.,
supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities). 1.2
Manage data, invoices, records, or other situational or consumer-specific information in a
manner consistent with maintaining consumer confidentiality (e.g., shredding, locked files).
1.3
Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential
information.