State has new rules for sign language interpreters in courts, law offices

LANSING (AP) - Michigan has released new rules for certifying and hiring sign language interpreters. The regulations affect any institution or business that's required to provide interpreters for the deaf, deaf and blind, and hard of hearing. This includes K-12 schools, colleges, hospitals, courts, physicians' offices, law offices and other businesses. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights announced Monday that sign language interpreters will require specific credentials and certifications for working in areas "where the information being communicated may be technical or complex in nature" or "where the level of harm that could be caused by miscommunication is highest." The department has put out a chart that gives the specific credentials required for each type of job. Some rules take effect immediately, while others take effect Sept. 1, 2016. -------- Online: Chart: http://1.usa.gov/1j8Y0C6. Published: Wed, Jul 09, 2014