Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 218 Communication Access Services for Persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind
Communication Access, Title 11, Chapter 218 (PDF Version)
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§11-218-1 Purpose and Scope
§11-218-2 Interpretation
§11-218-3 Definitions
§11-218-3.5 Rights of consumers to communication access services
§11-218-4 Credentials of providers
§11-218-5 Repealed
§11-218-5.1 Fee schedule guidelines
§11-218-6 Cancellation of services
§11-218-7 Repealed
§11-218-7.1 Repealed
§11-218-7.2 Repealed
§11-218-8 Provision of services
§11-218-8.1 Repealed
§11-218-9 Repealed
§11-218-9.5 Code of ethics
§11-218-10 Repealed
§11-218-11 Repealed
§11-218-12 Application and renewal of credential
§11-218-12.5 Continuing education program
§11-218-12.6 Provisional credential
§11-218-13 Repealed
§11-218-13.4 Test Procedures and Grievances
§11-218-13.5 Non Refundable and Non Transferable Fees
§11-218-14 Recognition of credentials issued by other entities
§11-218-15 Severability
Appendices (PDF Version)
Appendix A – Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential Functional Descriptions
Appendix B – State of Hawaii Credentialed Interpreters Code of Professional Conduct
Appendices (Accessible Version)
Appendix A – Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential Functional Descriptions
Appendix B – State of Hawaii Credentialed Interpreters Code of Professional Conduct
§11-218-1 Purpose and scope. The purpose of these rules is to establish guidelines for the use of communication access services by persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind for effective communication in programs and activities of state departments and agencies. The optimal situation is one in which the state program or activity is able to communicate directly with the person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. When direct communication is not possible, this chapter provides guidelines for hiring communication access providers. [Eff 5/17/91; am and comp 6/10/94; comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-2 Interpretation. If any provision of these rules is inconsistent with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, as amended, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, as amended, the provision shall be construed to be superseded or governed thereby. These rules shall be construed liberally and consistent with the purpose stated in section 11-218-1. [Eff 5/17/91; am and comp 6/10/94; am and comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; comp 12/24/01; comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-3 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Board” means the disability and communication access board.
“Communication access services” means services rendered by a provider to facilitate communication between the person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and hearing consumers. Communication access services include, but are not limited to, interpreter services, real-time captioning services, and computer-assisted notetaking services.
“Computer-assisted notetaker” means a person who provides computer-assisted notetaking services.
“Computer-assisted notetaking services” means services performed by a typist using a word processor on a computer to provide a summary of a speaker’s words or notes for situations such as a meeting or a group discussion. The words are typed into a word processor and displayed onto a screen. Computer-assisted notetaking services are distinguished from real-time captioning services in that the words are typed simultaneously but not necessarily verbatim and that stenographic equipment and skills are not involved.
“Credentials” means certification or credential that is awarded to providers as defined in this section.
“Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential” means a credential issued by the board to interpreters who pass the HQAS test or who possess a valid credential issued by an entity recognized by the board under section 11-218-14. Functional descriptions of credential levels are included in Appendix A.
“HQAS test” means the Hawaii Quality Assurance System interpreter screening instrument administered by the state screening agency.
“Hearing consumer” means any hearing individual that requires communication access services to communicate with one or more persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.
“Interpreter services” means services rendered by a nationally-certified or state credentialed interpreter as defined in this section, to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary, between a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and a hearing consumer.
“Nationally-certified interpreter” means any person who holds a valid certificate or credential awarded by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) or the National Association of the Deaf, Inc. (NAD).
“Person who is deaf or hard of hearing” means any person who, with or without amplification, cannot hear and understand spoken language.
“Person who is deaf-blind” means any person who, with or without the assistance of hearing or visual aids, has both auditory and visual disabilities that interfere with communication.
“Provider” means any provider of communication access services including, but not limited to, a nationally-certified interpreter, a state credentialed interpreter, a certified real-time captioner, or a computer-assisted notetaker.
“Real-time captioner” means any person who holds any valid certifications awarded by either the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or a state board of certified shorthand reporters.
“Real-time captioning services” means services performed by a certified real-time captioner to facilitate communication for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind. The services provide simultaneous transcription of a speaker’s words by using a stenographic machine, a computer, and real-time captioning software, and by projecting the words onto a screen.
“State agency” means any department, office, board, or commission of the State, or the University of Hawaii.
“State screening agency” means the disability and communication access board.
“State credentialed interpreter” means any person who holds a valid Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential awarded by the board. Credential levels and functional descriptions are described in Appendix A. [Eff 5/17/91; am and comp 6/10/94; am and comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; am and comp 02/27/09; am and comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20 ] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-3.5 Rights of consumers to communication access services. Any person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; or any hearing consumer; as provided in section 11-218-3; shall be provided communication access services when necessary to provide effective communication in any program or activity of a state agency. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind who request communication access services for any program or activity may identify and request their preferred providers. The requirement for a certified or credentialed provider may be waived if the person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind indicates a preference for someone who does not have a credential or certification. The state agency shall document instances when a person requests a provider that does not have a credential or certification. [Eff and comp 08/14/20 ] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-4 Credentials of providers. (a) The credentials of providers shall be based on the level and specialization determined by the national organizations or state screening agency which provide the credentials listed in section 11-218-3. The board shall review criteria of the credentials awarded by national organizations and the state screening agency with input from the community. Documentation of completion of sign language courses or interpreter training programs shall not be substituted for credentials listed in section 11-218-3.
(b) Currently there are no known national or state organizations that award credentials for computer-assisted notetakers. It is recommended that state agencies hire persons who meet the following characteristics to provide computer-assisted notetaking services: ability to organize and summarize information; ability to type at least sixty words per minute; familiarity with the subject being discussed; experience working with persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; working knowledge of laptop computers and word processing software; and good auditory, verbal, and spelling skills.
(c) The validity of credentials shall be based on criteria for maintenance of credentials established by the appropriate national or state organizations that issue credentials as referenced in section 11-218-3. Providers shall furnish, upon request, documentation of credentials to the state agency when communication access services are contracted. [Eff 5/17/91; comp 6/10/94; comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 2/27/09; comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-5 Repealed. [R 11/6/00]
§11-218-5.1 Fee schedule guidelines. (a) The board shall issue a recommended fee schedule to guide state agencies in determining the cost of hiring communication access service providers. The recommended fee schedule may include recommendations for mileage, travel, cancellation, and other allowable provider fees. The guidelines shall be advisory only and state agencies may negotiate fees with the providers.
(b) In developing the recommended fee schedule, the board shall seek advice from consumers, providers, and state agencies.
(c) The board shall publish the recommended fee schedule on the board’s website.
(d) The recommended fee schedule shall be reviewed periodically and may be amended as needed. [Eff and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; am and comp 7/23/07; am and comp 2/27/09; am and comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-6 Cancellation of services. (a) State agencies shall follow the cancellation policies and procedures of a referral agency when contracting for the services of a communication access provider. State agencies are encouraged to review such policies and procedures prior to contracting with a referral agency.
(b) When a state agency contracts with a provider without the use of an interpreter referral agency, the state agency is responsible to confirm the cancellation fee policies and procedures with the provider at the same time the communication access service fees are confirmed. If a provider does not have cancellation fee policies and procedures, it is recommended that the state agency and provider follow the cancellation fee guidelines that accompany the recommended fee schedule issued pursuant to §11-218-5.1. [Eff 5/17/91; comp 6/10/94; comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-7 Repealed. [R 11/6/00]
§11-218-7.1 Repealed. [R 11/6/00]
§11-218-7.2 Repealed. [R 11/6/00]
§11-218-8 Provision of services. (a) Any person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind shall inform a state agency of the need for communication access services, allowing reasonable time to hire providers.
(b) A state agency shall hire the preferred qualified providers of the person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind to provide effective communication when possible. If no preference is stated, providers with the highest level of credentials shall be hired first, followed by providers with lesser levels of credentials.
(c) A state agency shall acquire the services of a provider or providers with the appropriate credentials when necessary for a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind to effectively participate in an activity or program of that agency.
(d) For assignments of continuous work (for example, a workshop or meeting), the state agency shall request a minimum of two providers to actively and alternately work for the total time of the assignment.
(e) If only one provider is available and hired for an assignment with continuous work of more than one and one-half hours in length, the state agency shall ensure that the provider is given breaks as necessary or as negotiated prior to the assignment.
(f) If a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind cannot benefit from conventional communication access services, then additional providers, including a provider who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind, shall be used to relay information between the consumer and the hearing provider to achieve effective communication.
(g) A qualified sign language interpreter is an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. [Eff 5/17/91; am and comp 6/10/94; am and comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20 ] (Auth: HRS§348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-9.5 Code of ethics. Services of a Hawaii state credentialed interpreter shall be rendered in a manner consistent with Appendix B. Services of a nationally credentialed interpreter or other communication access provider shall be rendered in a manner consistent with their respective certification’s code of ethics. [Eff and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 02/27/09; am and comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20 ] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-10 Repealed. [R 6/10/94]
§11-218-11 Repealed. [R 6/10/94]
§11-218-12 Application and renewal of credential. (a) A candidate for a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential shall complete an application form available from the board and upon payment of a fee as listed in 11-218-13.5.
(b) Upon receipt of the application, fee, verification of successful passing of the HQAS test or presentation of a valid credential issued by an entity and honored by the board under 11-218-14, and completion of viewing a video on ethics, the board shall issue a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential in accordance with Appendix A. The credential shall be valid until December 31 of the subsequent calendar year.
(c) Issuance of a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential shall automatically enroll the credential holder in the continuing education program.
(d) A person who possesses a valid Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential may apply for a renewal of the credential by submitting a renewal application form available from the board by November 30 of the year of expiration of his or her credential.
(e) Upon receipt of the application fee as listed in 11-218-13.5 and verification of completion of required continuing education units in the continuing education program, the board shall issue a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential.
(f) A one-time extension of three months per renewal cycle to complete the continuing education units to renew a credential shall be permitted with the payment of an extension fee as listed in 11-218-13.5. When an interpreter is on extension, the interpreter is still considered a credentialed interpreter.
(g) The renewal credential shall become valid in January of the subsequent year for two years. [Eff 5/17/91; am and comp 6/10/94; comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20 ] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-12.5 Continuing education program. (a) The board shall operate a continuing education program to allow holders of a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential to maintain the credential instead of retaking the HQAS test.
(b) Enrollment in the continuing education program shall be automatic with the issuance of a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential.
(c) The requirements for the continuing education program shall be 3.0 continuing education units per two-year cycle for credential level Tier 4 or Tier 5 and 3.5 continuing education units per two-year cycle for credential level Tier 3.
(d) A continuing education unit is the equivalent of ten hours of participation in a state screening agency pre-approved workshop, seminar, lecture, conference, class or other educational activity to increase knowledge, skills and competency relevant to the practice of sign language and interpreting.
(e) Continuing education unit requirements shall be pro-rated for the initial credential cycle.
(f) Continuing education units earned that exceed the required number for renewal of the credential cannot be transferred to the new cycle.
(g) The board shall prepare a continuing education program manual for each credential holder with policies and procedures for accruing continuing education units. [Eff and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-12.6 Provisional credential. (a) Upon application and payment of a fee, the state screening agency may issue a provisional credential to a provider of interpreter services who possesses a credential issued by an entity other than the credentials recognized by the state, provided that the credential is valid and was issued within two years preceding the application.
(b) Upon application and payment of a fee, the state screening agency may issue a provisional credential to a provider of interpreter services who possesses an Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment certification at a level 4.0 or higher and who provides evidence of consistent work as a sign language interpreter within one year preceding the application.
(c) The provisional credential shall be equivalent to the lowest level credential issued by the state screening agency and shall be valid for no longer than one credential cycle. [Eff and comp 08/14/20 ] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-13.4 Test Procedures and Grievances. (a) The HQAS test shall be administered by the state screening agency.
(b) To apply for the HQAS test, a candidate shall submit an application form and pay the test application fee. Upon confirmation of the completed application and required fee, the state screening agency shall schedule a performance test.
(c) The performance test shall be scored by a panel of independent evaluators. Candidates shall be notified by the state screening agency when evaluator scores have been aggregated.
(d) If a candidate does not achieve a desired score on performance test A, the candidate may take performance test B, but not sooner than six months after taking performance test A and upon payment of a new test application fee. If the candidate does not achieve a desired score on performance test B, the candidate may take performance test C, but not sooner than six months after taking performance test B and upon payment of a new test application fee. If the candidate does not achieve a desired score on performance test C, the candidate may take performance test A again, but not sooner than six months after taking performance test C and upon payment of a new test application fee. If the candidate does not achieve a desired score on performance test A the second time, the candidate may take performance test B again, but not sooner than six months after taking performance test A the second time and upon payment of a new test application fee. If the candidate does not achieve a desired score on performance test B the second time, the candidate may take performance test C again, but not sooner than six months after taking performance test B the second time and upon payment of a new test application fee. A candidate may not take the same version of the performance test more than two times.
(e) If a candidate has a grievance regarding the test procedure, the grievance shall be filed in writing to the executive director of the state screening agency before the candidate’s test is submitted to the independent evaluators. The executive director shall reply in writing within thirty days. If the candidate is not satisfied with the response of the executive director, then the candidate may request a reply from the board. The board shall consider all relevant comments and materials of record before taking final action.
(f) If a candidate disagrees with the score received, the candidate may request to have the test re-scored and pay a second test fee as listed in 11-218-13.5 within three months of receiving the aggregated test score.
(g) After a candidate passes the HQAS test, and before the state screening agency will issue a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential to the candidate, the candidate shall take and pass the code of professional conduct test. The code of professional conduct test shall be administered and scored by the state screening agency at no cost to the candidate. [Eff and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07; am and comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6] (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-13.5 Non Refundable and Non Transferable Fees. (a) The board shall establish a fee to be charged to each candidate applying for the HQAS test, a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential, renewal of a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential, or a provisional credential.
(b) Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the Disability and Communication Access Board special fund.
(c) Fees for the HQAS test are as follows:
(1) The candidate fee for the HQAS test shall be $360.
(2) Candidate fees shall be used to pay for independent evaluator services.
(3) If a candidate applies to take the test but cancels at least two weeks before the scheduled test date, the candidate’s fee shall be refunded in full or transferred to a future test. If a candidate cancels less than two weeks before the scheduled test date, the candidate’s fee shall not be refundable.
(4) If a candidate wishes to appeal the test scores, the candidate may request a second evaluation and pay a second candidate fee.
(d) Fees for the Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential are as follows:
(1) The fee for the issuance of a new state credential shall be $50 with the credential to expire on December 31 of the following calendar year.
(2)The fee for renewal of a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential shall be $50 biennially upon the completion of the required continuing education units pursuant to these rules.
(3) No fee will be charged for a replacement credential.
(4) The fee for a one-time extension to renew the credential shall be $50.
(e) The fee for a provisional credential shall be $50. [Eff and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; am and comp 7/23/07, comp 02/27/09; am and comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §§348F-7 to 348F-8) (Imp: HRS §§348F-7 to 348F-8)
§11-218-14 Recognition of credentials issued by other entities. The board is encouraged to recognize and honor providers with current and valid credentials issued by entities other than the state. The board shall examine the parity of credentials issued by other entities to determine if and at what level a provider with another credential may qualify for a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential. These credentials shall be considered current and valid if they were awarded not more than two years prior to the date of hire, unless otherwise indicated by the documentation of such credentials. A provider with a credential issued by another entity that is recognized by the board may be issued a Hawaii State Sign Language Interpreter Credential for one credential cycle upon application as set forth in section 11-218-12. The provider must renew a credential through completion of the continuing education program as set forth in section 11-218-12.5. [Eff 5/17/91; am and comp 6/10/94; am and comp 4/3/97; am and comp 11/6/00; am and comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; comp 7/23/07, comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11; am and comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
§11-218-15 Severability. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining portion of these rules or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall not be affected. [Eff 5/17/91; comp 6/10/94; comp 4/3/97; comp 11/6/00; comp 12/24/01; am and comp 10/13/05; am and comp 7/23/07, comp 02/27/09; comp 10/27/11, comp 08/14/20] (Auth: HRS §348F-6) (Imp: HRS §348F-3)
The End