Rhode Island § 5-71-4 - Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf

§ 5-71-4. Board of examiners — Creation — Compensation — Appointment, terms, and qualifications of members.

(a) There shall exist within the state department of health a board of examiners of interpreters for the deaf. The board shall consist of five (5) persons who shall be residents of the state of Rhode Island for at least two (2) years prior to their appointments: three (3) nationally certified interpreters, and two (2) consumers.

(b) All appointments made under this section shall be made by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. In making appointments to the board, the governor shall give consideration to recommendations made by the commission on the deaf and hard-of-hearing established pursuant to § 23-1.8-1. All members shall serve terms of three (3) years. Members shall serve until the expiration of the term for which they have been appointed or until their successor is appointed. No person shall be appointed to serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. When a vacancy upon the board occurs, a replacement shall be appointed for the remainder of that term as prescribed in this section.

(c) The board shall reorganize annually during the month of December and shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson for the subsequent calendar year. The board may elect from among its members such other officers as it deems necessary.

(d) Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum to do business. A majority vote of those present shall be required for action.

(e) Members of the board shall be removable by the governor pursuant to the provisions of § 36-1-7 and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.