Rhode Island § 5-71-8 - Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-71-8 — Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-71-8. Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-71-8

§ 5-71-8. Qualifications of applicants for licenses.

(a) To be eligible for licensure by the board as an interpreter for the deaf or transliterator, the applicant must submit written evidence on forms furnished by the department that the applicant meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Is of good moral character;

(2) Meets the screened requirements as defined in regulations promulgated by the department or meets the certification requirements set forth by RID or its successor agency approved by the department in consultation with the board;

(3) Pays the department a license fee as set forth in § 23-1-54;

(4) Adheres to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) code of professional conduct; and

(5) Provides verification of a background check with the bureau of criminal investigation in the office of attorney general at the time of the initial application for license.

(b) To be eligible for licensure by the board as an educational interpreter for the deaf, the applicant must meet all of the requirements as described in subsection (a) and must further present proof of successful completion of the educational interpreter performance assessment (EIPA), written and performance tests, or a similar test as approved by the board, at a performance level established by the board.

(c) An individual whose license, certification, permit, or equivalent form of permission issued within another state has been revoked, suspended, or currently placed on probation shall not be eligible for consideration for licensure unless they have first disclosed to the department about such disciplinary actions.

History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 151, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 14, § 27; P.L. 2006, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 39, § 24; P.L. 2011, ch. 160, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 169, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 9, § 28; P.L. 2015, ch. 164, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 4; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 3, § 5, effective June 27, 2022.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-71-8

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-71-8 cover?

Section 5-71-8 ("Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 5-71-8?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-71-8" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 5-71-8 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.