Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-3-24-.03

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 580-3-24-.03 - Professional Competencies/Knowledge

In order to effectively provide interpretation from one language to another in mental health settings, certain levels of fluency and knowledge are necessary. The interpreter shall demonstrate professional competencies/knowledge atand the level indicated.

(1) Sign language interpreters must be licensed as interpreters in Alabama or otherwise eligible to work at an equivalent level as set forth in the Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-16-1et seq. The interpreter must demonstrate understanding of mentoring and supervision.

(2) Interpreters working in other languages shall hold an appropriate certification in their field, if one is available. If no certification is available for the language(s) the interpreter is working in it is expected that the interpreter will successfully pass a screening test approved by the Office of Deaf Services.

(3) Interpreters must demonstrate interpreting methods and appropriate use of simultaneous (first person and third person), consecutive (first person and third person), and narrative (third person) interpreting.

(4) Interpreters must demonstrate familiarity with mental health issues and treatment options in Alabama, as follows:.

(a) Mental illness services.

1. The interpreter must be able to accurately interpret specialized vocabulary used in psychiatric settings in both the source and the target languages.

2. The interpreter must be aware of psychopathologies, including knowledge of the names of the major mental illnesses treated by the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation in both the target and source languages and familiarity with symptomology of major mental illnesses experienced by the consumers of services provided by the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation as presented within the psycholinguistic context of the target language group.

3. The interpreter must demonstrate familiarity with assessment methods and understanding of the impact of interpretation when doing assessment.

4. The interpreter must have exposure to treatment approaches and demonstrate awareness of how cultural influences might impact treatment.

(b) Substance Abuse Services

1. The interpreter must be able to accurately interpret specialized vocabulary used in addiction treatment in both the source and the target languages.

2. The interpreter must have familiarity with addiction theory and issues involving addiction.

3. The interpreter must have familiarity with assessment methods and how cultural influences might impact assessment.

4. The interpreter must have exposure to treatment approaches and demonstrate awareness of how cultural influences might impact treatment.

(i) The interpreter must be familiar with inpatient settings, with the various staff that will be working in those settings, and how interpreting and cultural differences can influence therapeutic relationships in those settings.

(ii) The interpreter must be familiar with outpatient settings, with self-help and support groups and the specialized vocabulary used in those groups, and how interpreting and cultural differences can influence therapeutic relationships in those settings.

(c) Mental Retardation Services.

1. The interpreter must have exposure to issues involving mental retardation and developmental disability and the role culture and language plays in providing services to people with mental retardation.

2. The interpreter shall be aware of the difference between interpreting and, communication assistance/language intervention.

(5) The interpreter shall be able to identify care providers, identify mental health disciplines, and be familiar with milieus and settings.

(6) The interpreter must be able to explain role of an interpreter as a professional consultant.

(7) The interpreter must understand professional boundaries and must be able to explain confidentiality and privilege, including at a minimum, abuse reporting, the duty to warn, and, protections specific to Alabama statute.

Author: DMH/MR Office of Deaf Services

Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-3-24-.03

New Rule: Filed November 19, 2003; effective December 24, 2003.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-50-11.