New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 6 - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Chapter 102 - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - ANCILLARY SERVICES
Part 2 - INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
Section 6.102.2.9 - STANDARDS FOR INTERPRETERS

A. Interpreters utilized by the agency shall be certified by the national registry of interpreters for the deaf (RID) or through the state quality assurance (QA) system through the commission for the deaf and hard of hearing (CDHH).

B. The CDHH will evaluate the qualifications of interpreters through a quality assurance (AQ) system and will provide the results of these evaluations. The QA system will consist of five levels from level 1 to level 5 with level 5 being the highest certification level. Interpreters with valid RID certifications and those who are non-certified "candidates" will be "grand-fathered in" once the QA system is implemented. For those interpreters who are non-certified, a time limit of six months will be given to take and pass the QA system once the system is implemented. For those who can prove extenuating circumstances exist beyond the interpreter's control, another six months may be allowed. This will be decided by the CDHH at that time. DVR will maintain a list of qualified interpreters and update this list on a quarterly basis. When no approved interpreter is available, an unapproved interpreter may be used, only with prior approval by the state coordinator of deaf services. Family members should not be used as interpreters except in cases of emergency.