(The interpreter will maintain professional integrity and treat both patient and provider with respect)  Interpreters will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the professional standards and ethical principles of the healthcare interpreting profession.  Interpreters transmit the content, spirit and cultural context of the original message into the target language, making it possible for patient and provider to communicate effectively. 

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(The interpreter conveys the entire message faithfully in a linguistically appropriate manner, without adding or omitting any information) Interpreters seek to understand how diversity and cultural similarities and differences have a fundamental impact on the healthcare encounter.  Interpreters play a critical role in identifying cultural issues and considering how and when to move to a cultural clarifies role.  Developing cultural sensitivity and cultural responsiveness is a life-long process that begins with an introspective look at oneself. 

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(The interpreter should be prepared to intervene by providing information on cultural differences and practices to the provider or patient when such information is needed to avoid cultural misunderstanding and miss-communication).  We believe the addition of an ethical decision-making process for interpreters is a critical contribution.  These steps assist interpreters in determining a course of action in ethical dilemmas, when actions to support one or more ethical principals may conflict with one or more other ethical principles.

The following gives an example of how this ethical decision-making process is used in practice.​  The steps to the process are;

•       Ask questions to determine whether there is a problem
•  Identify and clearly state the problem, considering the ethical principles that may apply and ranking them in applicability.
•  Clarify personal values as they relate to the problem
•  Consider alternative actions, including benefits and risks
•  Choose the action and carry it out

​​Professionalism: Interpreters shall act respectfully and responsibly at all times toward all parties involved.  Introduce yourself to all parties involved and maintain a professional demeanor by managing the flow of your interpretations.

​Self Evaluation:​ If at any time you feel that your interpreting needs do not meet our clients, patients, customer’s needs it is your responsibility as a professional interpreter to request to be removed from that session and wait until the replacement interpreter arrives.  However as a professional interpreter you need to keep in mind that in no way should you take anything personal based on religion, ethnicity, medically, legally, etc., you are just the “voice”.  I will be truthful about my qualification and will not accept any assignments for which I am not fully qualified.  Assist in clarification of concepts when communication is compromised.  .  Strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with professional colleagues and reading of current literature in the field.  Strive to maintain high professional standards by virtue of professional membership certification and ethical practices.  Finally Professional attire is recommended as this is a professional business.
     
Disclosure: Interpreters/translators shall not publicly disclose, report, or offer an opinion concerning matters in which they have or have been engaged, even when that information is not privileged by law to be confidential.
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Proficiency: Interpreters shall accurately and completely represent their training and experience.  They shall meet the minimum proficiency standard set by 411-OTPI by passing the required evaluation exam.  Recurrent training shall be assigned as needed.  Interpreters shall assess at all times their ability to interpret.  Should they have any reservations about their competency, they must immediately notify the parties involved and offer to withdraw without threat of retaliation.  They must remain at the assignment site until appropriate personnel can be secured.
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​Compensation: The fee schedule agreed to between IL Interpreters and Subcontractors shall be the maximum compensation accepted. Subcontractors shall not accept additional money, considerations, or favors for services reimbursed by IL Interpreters. Subcontractors shall not use for private or other gain or advantage, IL Interpreters or Customers time or facilities, equipment or supplies, nor shall they use or attempt to use their position to secure privileges or exemptions.
 

​Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure: Interpreters shall not divulge any information obtained through their assignments.  They shall not publicly discuss, report, or offer any opinion concerning matters in which they have been engaged, without the full approval of the parties involved, even when that information is not privileged by law.
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Neutrality/Non-Discrimination: Interpreters shall be neutral, impartial, and unbiased always.  They shall not discriminate on the basis of gender, disability, race, color, nationality, age, socioeconomic or educational status, or religious, political, or sexual orientation.  They are not judges, nor are they responsible for what patients say.  They do not have to agree with what they interpret, and although it may be hard to say words that one believes are untrue or unjust, the patient has the right to be heard on his or her own terms.  If they are unable to ethically perform in a given situation, they shall refuse or withdraw without threat of retaliation.  They shall disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest which might affect their objectivity.
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Accuracy: Interpreters shall always thoroughly and faithfully render, by conserving tone and spirit, omitting or adding nothing, and accounting for linguistic variations, the source language message. Liability for inaccurate or inappropriate interpretations is the sole responsibility of the interpreter.
    
Completeness: Interpreters shall interpret absolutely everything said by either party, regardless of content. If the content of the material may be offensive, insensitive or harmful to the dignity of either party involved, the interpreter must make that clear in advance of interpreting that material.
 

​First Person: The correct way to interpret is in first person only. You are just the "VOICE"
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​Courtesy/Cultural Sensitivity: Interpreters maintain a professional demeanor at all times and address all parties with respect and professionalism.  They ensure that their presence is minimized and does not hinder the daily operations or functions of the parties involved.  They shall be culturally competent, sensitive, and respectful of the individuals they serve.  When appropriate, they must explain cultural differences in order to facilitate understanding between both parties.
 

​​Impartiality: An interpreter must be impartial and unbiased and must refrain from conduct that may give an appearance of bias. Professional Demeanor Interpreters/translators shall be punctual, prepared and dressed in a manner appropriate and not distracting for the situation.

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​Scope of Practice: Interpreters shall not counsel, refer, give advice, or express personal opinions to individuals for whom they are interpreting, or engage in any other activities. It is not appropriate for an interpreter to make suggestions of any kind that might influence a patient’s decision about anything.  Such activities may be construed as constituting a service other than interpreting.
 

Reporting Obstacles to Practice Interpreters / translators shall assess at all times their ability to interpret/translate. Should interpreters/translators have any reservations about their competency, they must immediately notify the parties and offer to withdraw without threat of retaliation. The interpreter/translator may remain until a more appropriate interpreter/translator can be secured. Ethical Violations Interpreters/translators shall immediately withdraw from encounters they perceive as violations of the Code. Professional Development Interpreters/translators shall develop their skills and knowledge through professional training continuing education and interaction with colleagues and specialists in related fields.