District Of Columbia § 2-1911 - Office of Interpreter Services.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 2-1911 — Office of Interpreter Services., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-1911. Office of Interpreter Services.
2-1911There is established an Office of Interpreter Services (“Office”) to facilitate the use of interpreters in administrative, judicial, and legislative proceedings in the District of Columbia.
The duties and responsibilities of the Office shall include the following:
The Office shall formulate and apply reasonable standards for evaluating the credentials and qualifications of persons who may serve as qualified interpreters in bilingual proceedings and proceedings involving hearing-impaired persons. In formulating and applying the standards for qualifications, the Office shall take into consideration such factors as education, training, experience, demonstrated current competence, and certification by a recognized private, federal, or state registry, board, or other organization that is determined by the Office to possess a sufficient level of competence, training, testing, and certification of interpreters in the particular language speciality of the interpreter.
The Office shall establish and maintain a current list of qualified interpreters who are available to provide interpreter services in the District of Columbia. The list shall include the names of persons who are bilingual interpreters and oral or manual interpreters for hearing-impaired persons.
The Office shall distribute the list of qualified interpreters to appointing authorities upon request.
The Office shall coordinate all requests for interpreter services including scheduling and arranging to provide for all interpreter services requested by appointing authorities.
The Office shall, pursuant to , issue rules that prescribe a schedule of reasonable fees for services rendered by interpreters and shall establish rules governing the method of payment.
The Office shall pay for the salaries, fees, expenses, and costs incident to providing interpreter services as set forth in .
The Office may perform other duties and functions as are necessary to facilitate the use of interpreter services in the District of Columbia.
Whenever an interpreter is required under this chapter, the appointing authority shall request the Office to assist in locating a qualified interpreter to provide interpreter services. The Office shall promptly assist in locating an interpreter and shall assist with scheduling and arranging to provide for the interpreter services. If the circumstances are such that the appointing authority is unable, or it is impractical, to request the assistance of the Office in locating a qualified interpreter, the appointing authority may arrange for and appoint a qualified interpreter whose name is included on a list of interpreters maintained by the Office.
If none of the listed interpreters is available and communication with a communication-impaired person is required to ascertain information relating to a medical emergency or to determine whether or not to permit that person’s immediate release from custody or detention, then the appointing authority shall appoint any person who is able to accurately and simultaneously communicate with and translate information to and from the particular communication-impaired person involved.
In fulfilling the duties and responsibilities set forth in subsection (b) of this section, the Office may contract for interpreter services at a rate of compensation mutually agreed upon by the Office and the interpreter whose services are contracted for, compensate interpreters on an hourly rate or a per diem rate, employ interpreters on a full-time or part-time basis, use qualified volunteer services, or procure the services in any other method consistent with the District of Columbia law. The Office may, with the concurrence of an agency, department, or governmental entity, assign an interpreter to that agency, department, or governmental entity. The assignment shall be made in accordance with .
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 2-1911
What does D.C. Code § 2-1911 cover?
Section 2-1911 ("Office of Interpreter Services.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 2-1911?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 2-1911" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 2-1911 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.