Interpreter Directory & Services

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If you have any more questions regarding the Idaho code, please fill this out:

Effective July 1, 2018 changes were made to the “Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act” (IC § 54-2901 – IC § 54-2927) that could impact what you do when using a signed language interpreter in the State of Idaho. This Act does not mandate the use of a signed language interpreter but when a signed language interpreter is used for communication, that interpreter is required to hold a valid license through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL).

What is this about?

Effective July 1, 2018 signed language interpreters are required to have a valid license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL) to interpret in the State of Idaho, with few exceptions. This Act does not mandate the use of a signed language interpreter

Where does this requirement come from?

This requirement is from IC § 54-2904(5)

Can I ask if the interpreter is licensed?

Yes, you can ask if the interpreter is licensed.

Can I ask the interpreter to show me their license?

Yes, the interpreter must have their license on them while working, either in paper format or digital format (a photo on their phone).

Can I bring my own interpreter? (Family member, friend, child)

No, interpreters must be licensed unless an exemption applies.

When are interpreters exempt from needing a license in the State of Idaho?

• ITP Students work under the supervision of licensed interpreters
• Deaf Interpreter (Must be registered)
• Certified Out-of-state Interpreters (Must be registered & not to exceed 30 days)
• Religious setting such as a church, synagogue, or other worship setting
• Private, non-commercial, family event
• Inconsequential situation: level of significance is such as that a licensed interpreter would not be deemed necessary for effective communication
• Temporarily in exigent/ emergency circumstance
• Courts and court services (abide by ICAR Rule 52)

Contact Us

If you have any more questions regarding the Idaho code, please fill this out:

Effective July 1, 2018, changes were made to the “Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act” (IC § 54-2901 – IC § 54-2927) that could impact what you do when using a signed language interpreter in the State of Idaho. This Act does not mandate the use of a signed language interpreter but when a signed language interpreter is used for communication, that interpreter is required to hold a valid license through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL).

What is this about?

Effective July 1, 2018, signed language interpreters are required to have a valid license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL) to interpret in the State of Idaho, with few exceptions. This Act does not mandate the use of a signed language interpreter

Where does this requirement come from?

This requirement is from IC § 54-2904(5)

How do I know if I have to hire a licensed interpreter?

An interpreter must always have a license from IDOPL, unless an exemption applies.

Do I always have to hire a signed language interpreter?

No. Hiring a signed language interpreter depends upon individual preferences, accommodation requests, and organization policy. Please review your organizations policy regarding communication access.

When are Signed Language Interpreters exempt from licensure?

• Interpreting for school aged students in education and are authorized under the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304)
• Court (must abide by ICAR Rule 52)
• Inconsequential situations (ordering food at a restaurant)
• Private events (weddings, funerals, etc.)
• Religious settings

How can I find out if an interpreter is licensed?

• You can ask the interpreter to show their license, it is required for them to have their license on them while working as an interpreter. You can also visit theIdaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses website – license search
• 3 types of licenses:
  • SIGNP – Sign Language Interpreter Provisional
  • SIGNT – Sign Language Interpreter Out of State
  • SIGN – Sign Language Interpreter License
• Deaf Interpreters are language specialists and are required to register with the State of Idaho – there is no license search for these specialists.

Can we just change the job title of that interpreter to something else?

No. The statute CLEARLY defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting regardless of the job title. If that person is functioning as an interpreter, they need to be licensed.

We have an employee who can sign, do they need to be licensed?

No. If the individual can sign, that is considered direct communication, NOT the act of interpreting.

What about emergency situations? Must I find a licensed interpreter before proceeding?

No. IC § 54-2905(h) states that in “exigent emergency circumstances,” you may use “temporary interpreting services until a qualified interpreter can be obtained.”

When I need a signed language interpreter, where can I find one?

• The Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has an interpreter directory that provides information to directly contact interpreters for services, found further down on this page.
• The Idaho Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf also has an interpreter directory you can find interpreters and contact them directly.
• Depending on your area and availability of local interpreters, you may contact the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for additional contacts.

If the person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing brings a friend, family member, or child with them to interpret, can they serve as a client-appointed interpreter?

No. If the client-appointed interpreter goes forth with interpreting, they could potentially edit the client’s message, add their own opinions, answer for the individual, or impede the development of the client relationship. A minor child cannot be used except in an emergency involving imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public.

Contact Us

If you have any more questions regarding the Idaho code, please fill this out:

Effective July 1, 2018 changes were made to the “Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act” (IC § 54-2901 – IC § 54-2927) that could impact what you do when using a signed language interpreter in the State of Idaho. This Act does not mandate the use of a signed language interpreter but when a signed language interpreter is used for communication, that interpreter is required to hold a valid license through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL).

What is this about?

Effective July 1, 2018 signed language interpreters are required to have a valid license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL) to interpret in the State of Idaho, with few exceptions. This Act does not mandate the use of a signed language interpreter.

Where does this requirement come from?

This requirement is from IC § 54-2904(5)

General License Information

What are the requirements for obtaining a license?

• Application submitted
• 18 years of age
• Pass a competency examination or achieved certification as defined by board rule
  • Both written and performance tests
• Obtained High School diploma or equivalent
• No felonies
• License fee paid

What credentials do I need to get a license from the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses to interpret in Idaho?

Certifications accepted – must be current and valid

• RID
• NAD
• BEI
• Utah: Professional or Master level

Accepted Exams: Require BOTH Written and performance – Can mix-and-match

• Written
  • NIC, CDI, EIPA, or any state-issued interpreting generalist written exam
•  Performance
  • EIPA 4.0+ or RID recognized exam, passed within past 10 years

I’m certified, which means I’m licensed, right?

No, you are required to apply for a license in addition to your certification to interpret in the state of Idaho.

How do I apply for a license?

• Go to IDOPL Forms
• Select and complete the form that corresponds with the license you are applying for

What proof of documentation is needed for credentials?

• If submitting a certification recognized by RID (excludes Ed:K-12), a copy of your current RID membership card is acceptable
• If submitting certifications or passed exam results, these results need to be sent directly from the issuing body.

What is the cost of a license?

• Original License
  • Application fee:  $25.00
  • License fee:  $70.00
• Provisional License
  • Application fee:  $25.00
  • Provisional Permit fee:  $70.00
• Out of State (Endorsement) License
  • Application fee:  $25.00
  • License fee:  $70.00
• Deaf Interpreter Registration
  • No charge
• Out of State Registration (work up to 30 days)
  • Registration fee:  $10.00

Am I required to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for my license?

Yes, interpreters are required to obtain 10 hours every year

When does my license expire?

The Original license will expire on your birthday with the exemption of the first year obtaining the license. Provisional licenses will expire 1 year after it was granted, and Out of State licenses will automatically expire December 31st of the year it was granted for. Check Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses  website under license search to confirm when you need to renew your license.

When are interpreters exempt from needing a license in the State of Idaho?

• ITP Students work under the supervision of licensed interpreters
• Deaf Interpreter (Must be registered)
• Certified Out-of-state Interpreters (Must be registered & not to exceed 30 days)
• Religious setting such as a church, synagogue, or other worship setting
• Private, non-commercial, family event
• Inconsequential situation: level of significance is such as that a licensed interpreter would not be deemed necessary for effective communication
• Temporarily in exigent/ emergency circumstance
• Courts and court services (abide by ICAR Rule 52)

Can my job title be changed, and I won’t need a license?

No. The statute CLEARLY defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting regardless of the job title. If someone is functioning as an interpreter, they need to be licensed, exemptions apply.

Provisional Permit

I recently received my provisional license and there is a quarterly report due. Do I need to submit a quarterly report?

If your license was granted during any time of the quarter the report is due for, yes. It does not matter if you were actively interpreting or not, a report is due if your license was active during the quarter.

Where do I find the quarterly reports? How do I submit them?

• Go to IDOPL Forms
• Follow the directions on the form to submit your quarterly report

What settings can a provisional interpreter interpret?

The settings allowed for an interpreter who is provisionally licensed depends entirely on the supervisor and provisional license holder’s agreement. This information can be found here

How do I transition from a provisional license to an original license?

• You need to submit an original license application with appropriate documentation and full license fee
• When your original license is received, you need to submit your last quarterly report and CLEARLY state this will be the last quarterly report done up to the date you received your original license.

Out of State License

If certified or licensed in another state, you may work in Idaho up to 30 days/year.

• Must register BEFORE working: $10/year
• Must report after every DAY, or TIME PERIOD worked, within 5 days after working
  • Please note: Failure to report may result in disciplinary action
• May apply for Idaho license to work without restriction

*Out of State licenses follow the calendar year and ALL Out of State Licenses will expire December 31st of each year. (i.e. Out of State license was approved in November 2019, license will still expire December 31st, 2019)

What is the difference between an endorsement license and out of state registration?

• Applying for an endorsement license is the method for those who have a current license in another state with requirements substantially similar to Idaho’s. Those seeking licensure in Idaho for the first time and do not hold or have not ever held a license in another state should fill out the original license application.
• Out of state registration allows work in Idaho up to 30 days per year and requires reporting each DAY worked in Idaho.

Educational Interpreters

Educational interpreters must meet requirements mandated by the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304). If requirements by EIA are met, working in educational setting for school aged students is waived from licensure requirement

• Interpreting for public school-aged STUDENTS only
• Adults: License is required

Working outside an educational setting for school aged students in public school requires a general license or exemption. If an interpreter does not meet the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act requirements, it is unlicensed practice

Do educational interpreters need to pass a written knowledge test?

The Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304) does not require a written test comment. Therefore, interpreters in educational settings working with school aged students are not required to have passed a written knowledge exam. However, as stated above, if interpreting for adults or outside of a public school setting, a license is required.

Can educational interpreters, who meet qualifications for the Educational Interpreter Act, but are not licensed, interpret for adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing in a public school, K-12 setting? (IEP meetings, assemblies, parent-teacher conferences, etc.)

No. The Idaho Educational Interpreter Act clearly defines an educational interpreter as “a person employed in the Idaho public schools, working with school aged students, to provide interpreting services to students who are deaf, hard of hearing or DeafBlind.”

Can an educational interpreter interpret for school sponsored “after-school” and extracurricular activities?

Yes. If the interpretation is ONLY for students.

Can School Districts just change the job title of an educational interpreter to avoid following the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act?

No. The statute CLEARLY defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting regardless of the job title they hold. If the employee functions as an interpreter, they need to meet the requirements in the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act.

Who can interpret for a student in preschool?

As of July 1, 2020, the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act now includes preschool aged students. Meaning all interpreters that work with students in a public school setting that is school aged now follow the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304)

Can someone with a provisional permit from IDOPL interpret for adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in an educational setting? (IEP meetings, assemblies, parent-teacher conferences, etc.)

• Each provisional permit holder will have a plan with their supervisor specifying what settings and situations the provisional permit holder can interpret in. If there are no restrictions interpreting in these settings, then that is acceptable. For the list of Provisional Permit holders and their approved settings, that information can be found here
• Please remember that an IEP meeting is a procedure to complete legally binding document and falls under a legal setting.

Additional Resources

• Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
• Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses FAQ

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Download PDF

Regardless of reimbursement through Medicaid, providers are required by law to provide interpretive services at the request of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing participant or their companion to ensure meaningful access and effective communication in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. This document is provided for information purposes at the time of posting; check the Idaho Medicaid information for the most current guidance. 

How do I bill Medicaid when there are multiple interpreters? 

• Many situations can require the use of multiple interpreters to ensure effective access and occupational safety. Some contributing factors include the duration and intensity of an appointment, in addition to the linguistic needs present. 

• When there are multiple interpreters, follow appropriate documentation process as described in the Idaho Medicaid Provider Handbook 9.10.1. 

• Bill for the total number of interpreting service minutes, in 15-minute increments, for all interpreters. 

• Example: A 90-minute appointment requires two interpreters, each providing 90 minutes of service. Bill Medicaid for 180 minutes of service rendered. 

Is my sign language interpreter a “Qualified Medicaid Provider”? 

• Interpreters are not a category of “Qualified Medicaid Providers”. The only documentation that the interpreter needs to supply is limited to their name, title, and signature. Only the patient and the Medicaid provider rendering services need to hold Medicaid documentation.  

• You may ask to see interpreters’ license to practice in the State of Idaho for verification of their credentials to interpret.  

The interpreter submitted an invoice with a flat fee or a 2-hour minimum. Don’t they have to follow Medicaid guidelines to bill in 15-minute increments? 

• Interpreters’ billing practices usually do not align with Medicaid reimbursement guidelines. Your office is responsible for covering any remaining costs associated with hiring interpreters. 

• Medicaid may be billed for interpreting services rendered in conjunction with a Medicaid billable service, in 15-minute increments. Interpreters will bill for their total time according to their terms of service, which will include time outside of provider minutes. 

• In addition to Medicaid reimbursement, there are tax benefits that defray the cost of providing accommodations.  

Can a family member interpret at the participant’s request in accordance with 9.10. of the Medicaid Providers’ Handbook? 

• A participant may waive their right to an interpreter (follow your organizational protocol) however they may NOT have an unlicensed friend or family member render sign language interpreting services in accordance with IC§54-29, “Interpreters and translators must meet state and professional licensure requirements and be at least eighteen years of age,” (9.10.3). 

Can interpreters render services for telehealth appointments? 

• Yes, interpreters can provide HIPAA-compliant interpretation via telehealth. Medicaid will reimburse for these services at the standard rate. See Idaho Medicaid Provider Handbook 9.12. 

• Regardless of the place of residence for an interpreter providing virtual services, they must be licensed to interpret in the state of Idaho in accordance with IC§54-29. 

Will Medicaid reimburse interpretive service if the patient is not who requires an interpreter? 

• If the participant is a child under the age of 18 years and is receiving a Medicaid reimbursed service, interpretive services are allowed for communicating with the child’s parent/guardian. 

• If the participant is not under the age of 18 or under guardianship, but a companion requires interpretive services, you cannot bill Medicaid. However, you must still provide interpretive services to maintain compliance with accessibility laws.  

Since it is in the IEP, can classroom interpreting services be billed to Medicaid? 

• No. Educational Services are not reimbursable: Services provided in buildings, rooms, or areas designated or used as a school or an education setting, which are provided during the specific hours and time periods in which the education instruction takes place in the school day, and period of time for these students, which are included in the individual educational plan (IEP) for the student. 

• View the Idaho Medicaid Guidance Handbook for Educators, page 77 for information on interpretive services reimbursement for students.  

Can I receive reimbursement through Medicaid for learning American Sign Language (ASL) or providing direct service in ASL? 

• No. Reimbursement is specific to interpretive services rendered by non-institutional providers.  

What procedure code do I use to bill for interpretive services? 

• T1013-CG – Sign Language Interpretive Services 

• Interpretive services are reimbursed in 15-minute increments.