NCIC Clarifies Role Of Foreign-Language Interpreters And Translators

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - The N.C. Industrial Commission has clarified the role of foreign-language interpreters and translators in the N.C. workers' compensation system.

It has come to the attention of the North Carolina Industrial Commission that some interpreters and translators who attend medical and vocational appointments are producing observational summery reports that include, but are not limited to, information regarding conversations that occurred between the injured worker and medical provider or rehabilitation professionals and information concerning the appearance of the injured worker.

Producing these types of reports, in addition to translating duties, is not appropriate interpreter/translator activity in the workers' compensation forum in this State. It is the position of the North Carolina Industrial Commission that the role of an interpreter/translator in a North Carolina Workers' Compensation case is to interpret, word for word, without editing, commenting or summarizing, what is said between the injured worker and the specific provider with whom the injured worker is meeting.

Further, interpreters and translators should abide by those ethics put forth by their profession, and should refrain from engaging in any activity for which they are not licensed or certified, or that could be construed to constitute a service other than interpreting or translating, such as giving advice or assisting with any function related to the ongoing management of a workers' compensation claim. 

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