La. Admin. Code tit. 46:LXXII — Professional and occupational Standards: Sign Language Interpreters

Part LXXII Sign Language Interpreters

Chapter 1 General Rules

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 101 Definitions

A. Unless specifically provided herein or the context clearly requires otherwise, the following words and terms used in this Part are defined as follows.

Accredited—an educational institution maintaining a certain level of educational standards as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Active—the registration status of an individual who has achieved and maintained the required minimum professional qualification standards and registration requirements set forth in this Part and is approved to actively provide services in the state of Louisiana.

American Sign Language (ASL)—a complex visual language distinct from English, which encompasses unique grammar and syntax, including phonology, morphology, and semantics, through movements of the hands, body, and facial expressions, and is used primarily by individuals who are Deaf in the United States.

Applicant—an individual seeking an original or renewed sign language interpreter registration with the Louisiana Interpreter Registry.

Board of Commissioners—the group of individuals named or appointed to support the work of the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf pursuant to R.S. 46:2352.

Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Certification—an industry-recognized test that assesses and certifies the skill level of individuals seeking to become certified sign language interpreters in Texas and other states. The BEI is operated by the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

Deaf—a condition of or person with some or complete absence of auditory sensitivity, regardless of when the hearing level was identified, and is most often represented with a lowercase letter "d". Methods of communication may include American Sign Language or spoken English. The term "Deaf", when written or expressed with an uppercase letter "D", specifically refers to a group of deaf individuals who identify as a cultural and linguistic minority with specific languages, namely visual or tactile methods of communication, and social mores.

DeafBlind—a condition of or person with concomitant visual and auditory sensitivity that subjects the individual to extreme difficulty in gaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustments, or obtaining a vocation.

Deaf Interpreter—a d/Deaf or hard of hearing language specialist who provides specialized interpretation, transliteration, and/or translation services in American Sign Language or other visual and tactile communication used by individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing.

Defendant—an individual who received a grievance against them and answers or defends in various proceedings.

Direct Supervision—the act of a Registered interpreter providing direct mentoring, support, and guidance to a sign language interpreter holding a Temporary Practice Permit during an assigned interpreted service.

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)—two comprehensive tests created and administered by Boys Town National Research Hospital to assess the skills and knowledge of sign language interpreters working in educational settings.

Grievance—a formal declaration of complaint of a potential violation of the requirements outlined and submitted in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in this Part.

Hard of Hearing—a condition of or a person with total or partial inability to hear sound, but often not to the extent that the person must rely primarily on visual communication.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)—a plan or program developed to ensure that a student who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.

Interpreter Education Program—an academic program providing opportunities to develop cultural, linguistic and interpreting skills, values, professional knowledge, and ethical decision-making.

Louisiana Commission for the Deaf—the principal agency of the state established to promote the general welfare of d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing residents of Louisiana.

Louisiana Interpreter Registry—the state’s registry of sign language interpreters approved to provide interpreting services for d/Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing individuals in Louisiana. The Louisiana Interpreter Registry is accessible on the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf website.

Louisiana Supreme Court Office of Language Access—the state’s Justice Department providing persons of Limited English Proficiency with meaningful access to court programs, proceedings and activities.

National Association for Interpreters in Education (NAIE)—a national organization that promotes best practices and professional standards to ensure equitable access to education for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing students.

National Certifying Body—a national organization, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, that certifies the qualification of sign language interpreters, sets professional conduct, and promotes and advocates for qualified and effective sign language interpreters in all spaces.

Provisional—temporary registration, with restrictions, for sign language interpreters who meet the minimum provisional standards as established in this Part.

Registered Interpreter—sign language interpreters who have met and maintained the minimum professional qualification standards and registration requirements defined by the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf and outlined in this Part.

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)—a national organization that governs and certifies the qualification of sign language interpreters, sets professional conduct, and promotes and advocates for qualified and effective sign language interpreters in all spaces.

Revoked—registration status of a sign language interpreter who has had their active status reversed, either temporarily or permanently, due to a violation established by state law, or as defined in this Part, and therefore is ineligible to provide services.

Sign Language Interpreter—a trained professional who facilitates communication between spoken English, and American Sign Language, or other visual and tactile communication used by individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing.

Sign Language Interpreting Services—the professional practice of a third party facilitating communication between an individual(s) who uses sign language and an individual(s) who uses spoken language, which allows for accurate and accessible communication in various settings as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act identifies situations in which these services are required.

Temporary Practice Permit—temporary registration, with restrictions, for individuals practicing the service of sign language interpreting under the part-time support, or direct supervision of a Registered Interpreter.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2351, 2352, 2353, 2354, and 2355.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:723 (May 2026).

Chapter 3 Policies

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 301 Registration of Sign Language Interpreters

A. Individuals seeking to provide sign language interpreting services in the state of Louisiana, whether in-person or via remote services, shall apply for registration with the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf at https://www.la.egov.com/ldh/LCDInterpreter Registry.

B. A person who is not registered pursuant to the requirements outlined in this Part shall not do any of the following:

1. provide services as a sign language interpreter for the d/Deaf, DeafBlind and/or hard of hearing in the state of Louisiana.

2. use any title, abbreviation, words, letters, signs or figures to indicate that the person holds Louisiana interpreter registration pursuant to this Part.

C. These rules shall not apply to individuals providing sign language interpreting services on a voluntary basis receiving no compensation or in religious settings.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353 and R.S. 47:1061.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:724 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 303 Fees

A. Registration and renewal fees shall not exceed $50. All fees are non-refundable.

B. Late renewal fees shall not exceed $75. All fees are non-refundable.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353 and R.S. 47:1061
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:724 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 305 Professional Conduct

A. Sign language interpreters shall adhere to the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct, the National Association of Interpreters in Education Code of Ethics, or the Louisiana Supreme Court Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters, as applicable per registration type.

B. Sign language interpreters shall engage in continuing professional development that enhances skills, theoretical knowledge, and ethical decision-making.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:724 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 307 Violations

A. The following violations are grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to denial, suspension or revocation of registration in accordance with the rules outlined in this Part:

1. failure to achieve or maintain the minimum standards for registration or renewal;

2. uses fraud, deception or misrepresentation in the application, registration or renewal process;

3. gross incompetence or grossly negligent execution of duties as a sign language interpreter, or having demonstrated, repeated and/or continuous negligence or irresponsibility in the performance of duties, which results in the violation of any of the standards of professional ethical behavior of sign language interpreters and/or the requirements as outlined in this Part;

4. use of intoxicating substances to an extent that it affects established ethical practices;

5. harasses, abuses, or threatens a member of the board of commissioners, or commission personnel who administer the system; or

6. has a conviction of a felony or misdemeanor which directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of sign language interpreting;

a. The record of any felony or misdemeanor conviction may be obtained by the commission from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, or from any local law enforcement agency.

b. When determining whether criminal conviction directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of sign language interpreting, the commission shall consider the following:

i. nature and/or seriousness of the crime;

ii. relationship of the crime to the practice of sign language interpreting;

iii. extent to which the duties and responsibilities of sign language interpreting might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same types as that for which the sign language interpreter was convicted;

iv. relationship of the crime to the ability, capability, or fitness required to perform the duties and responsibilities of sign language interpreting;

v. extent and nature of the individual’s past criminal activity;

vi. age of the individual at the time of commission of the crime;

vii. amount of time that has elapsed since last criminal activity;

viii. conduct and work activity prior to and following the criminal activity, and evidence of the individual’s rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort; and

ix. other evidence of the individual’s present fitness, including letters of recommendation from prosecution, law enforcement, or correctional officers who prosecuted, arrested, or had custodial responsibility for the applicant or registrant, and any other persons.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:724 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 309 Disciplinary Actions

A. One or more of the following disciplinary actions shall be given as a result of a violation as outlined in this Part:

1. a letter of concern;

2. additional education via professional development;

3. mentoring by a registered sign language interpreter;

4. a public warning notice;

5. denial of registration;

6. suspension of registration;

7. revocation of registration;

8. reporting of the offense to the certifying body for sign language interpreters; or

9. reporting of the offense for further legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:725 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 311 Grievances

A. The commission shall receive grievances from any person or entity, including self-initiated reports from commission personnel or any member of the board of commissioners, against any person or entity utilizing the title, performing the job of, or providing compensation to a sign language interpreter with or without registration in the state of Louisiana.

B. The commission shall also provide an opportunity to hear grievances against the policies outlined in this Part.

C. Prior to filing a grievance/complaint, individuals should make reasonable efforts to remedy the issue by addressing the situation directly with the individual, sign language interpreter, interpreter agency, and/or hiring entity, etc.

D. To file a grievance, individuals must follow the formal process outlined on the commission’s website.

E. The commission shall respond to the individual submitting the complaint with a written acknowledgement upon receipt of the grievance.

F. The board of commissioners, or their designated committee, shall review and investigate all grievances and make recommendations to the commission on the course of action. Should the board of commissioners be unable to achieve a quorum after two meetings, determination of the denial, suspension, revocation or disciplinary of an applicant or registrant under evaluation will be made by the commission in consultation with legal counsel.

G. Emergency grievances that may require immediate action based on an imminent and immediate danger or potential risk of harm to the public shall be forwarded immediately to the executive committee of the board of commissioners. The executive officers may recommend a suspension of registration or other emergency action until a formal investigation can be conducted.

H. Any member of the board of commissioners, their designated committee(s), or commission personnel shall not discuss any grievance that is pending, outside of official proceedings.

I. The board may obtain the services of legal counsel to assist at the hearing.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:725 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 313 Investigation and Determination

A. Preliminary Review

1. The commission shall conduct a preliminary review of the grievance within 10 business days of grievance receipt. Additional documentation pertaining to the alleged violation may be requested from any party that has credible information, which may include the named defendant. Any party providing information has the right to remain anonymous during the preliminary review.

2. The commission shall refer the grievance to the board of commissioners, or their designated committee, for formal investigation and review if the grievance is supported by reliable information provided with the grievance, or can be verified independently.

B. Investigative Review

1. Upon referral to the board of commissioners, or their designated committee, the accused party shall be contacted by the commission via certified mail with a copy of the written complaint, and shall request from the accused party a written answer to the said complaint.

a. In addition to the written answer of the accused party, the accused party may be requested and/or shall have the right to appear in person to make any explanations or to give testimony in his/her defense.

b. After investigation of the complaint concludes, a written report of findings of fact and opinion shall be filed with the commission.

C. Formal Action

1. Final determination of recommended actions shall be made by the board of commissioners during their regularly scheduled quarterly meetings unless otherwise outlined in this Part.

2. In advance of making a final determination, the commission shall notify the defendant in writing by certified mail of the date in which the board will review the complaint, and their right to attend.

a. In the event that the board of commissioners should seek the formal denial, suspension or revocation of registration of the accused party, the board shall:

i. set a time, date and location for a public hearing via special session;

ii. notify the accused party of the time, date and location of such public hearing via certified mail;

iii. furnish the accused party with the specific charges of the complaint at least 30 days before such hearing, including the parties right to retain counsel at their own expense;

iv. subpoena, compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses;

v. employ a public stenographer to transcribe all testimony given at the hearing;

vi. determine which evidence and testimony is relevant and make its determination no later than 60 days after the hearing;

vii. render its decision and reasons in writing, a copy of which is to be sent via certified mail to the person who initiated the complaint, and to the accused;

viii. final determinations shall be published on the commission’s website.

3. In the case of revocation or suspension, the commission shall update the individual’s registration status on the Louisiana Interpreter Registry no more than 10 days after final published determination.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:725 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 315 Appeals

A. The defendant may submit a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of receipt of final determination.

1. Appeals must be submitted by completing and submitting a Notice of Appeal request form found on the commission’s website.

2. Appeals must include new or additional evidence.

3. Individuals cannot appeal:

a. actions taken against an individual’s registration status as a result of a lack of adherence to registration or renewal policies outlined in this Part.

b. eligibility (initial or renewal) criteria.

4. The chairperson of the board of commissioners shall appoint three board members to a designated appeals committee, which will meet as needed to consider appeals. Members of the committee may be replaced at the discretion of the chair of the board of commissioners.

5. The appeal will not include a hearing or any similar public proceeding. The designated appeals committee will conduct and complete the appeal within 60 business days after receipt of the notice of appeal. The designated appeals committee may, in its discretion, extend the time for completing the appeal for difficult cases.

6. The designated appeals committee may consult legal counsel.

7. When reviewing appeal material and making its determinations, the designated appeals committee in its discretion may recommend to:

a. affirm the original decision;

b. overrule the original decision and specify action;

c. return the matter back to the board of commissioners without recommendation.

8. The written decision of the designated appeals committee, including a statement of the reasons for its decision, shall be reported to the board of commissioners. The board of commissioners shall review and make a final recommendation(s) based on appeal to the commission on the course of action.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353 and R.S. 47:1061.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:726 (May 2026).

Chapter 5 Registration and Renewal Requirements

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 501 Types of Registration

A. There are three types of registration for sign language interpreters:

1. Registered Generalist

a. Generalist registration is for an individual providing interpreting services inclusive of all general settings, with the exception of legal/court and PreK-12 educational settings which have other specific requirements.

i. Valid for five years from date of issuance and renewable in accordance with the policies outlined in this Part.

b. For individuals unable to meet the generalist registration standards, the following provisional status options are available.

i. Provisional Generalist

(a). For individuals providing interpreting services who hold some qualifications yet have not met all of the minimum requirements established by the commission.

(b). Valid for three years from date of issuance; may be extended for one year, up to two times, according to renewal policies outlined in this Part.

ii. Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised Support

(a). For individuals with verifiable professional experience yet cannot provide verification of skills or knowledge via official credentialing.

(b). Sign language interpreters registered under this registration type shall be required to review progress towards certification with a registered interpreter assigned by the commission, no less than once a quarter during registered provisional status.

(c). Valid for one year; non-renewable.

iii. Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised

(a). For individuals practicing to gain experience in sign language interpreting in general settings under the direct supervision of a Registered Interpreter.

(b). Sign language interpreters registered under this registration type shall be required to:

(i). receive approval from the parties involved prior to participating; and

(ii). observe and/or interpret only under the direct present supervision of a registered interpreter.

(c). Valid for one year from date of issuance; may be extended one time according to renewal policies outlined in this Part.

2. PreK-12 Education

a. PreK-12 registration is for individuals providing interpreting services inclusive of schools and other care and education settings under the purview of the Louisiana Department of Education.

i. Valid for five years from date of issuance; renewable according to policies outlined in this Part.

b. For individuals unable to meet the PreK-12 registration standards, the following provisional status options are available.

i. Provisional PreK-12

(a). For individuals providing interpreting services who hold some qualifications yet have not met all of the minimum requirements established by the commission.

(b). Valid for three years from date of issuance; non-renewable.

(c). Requires submission of an annual maintenance plan to the commission as follows:

(i). completion of the Interpreter Maintenance Form provided on the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf website. Requirements include: maintenance plan date range, name, address, phone number, and email address of provisional registrant, name and contact information of the registered interpreter providing direct supervision, and number of contact hours of professional development completed; and

(ii). signed verification of direct supervision of a PreK-12 registered interpreter verifying active engagement of study in preparation for Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) exam, EIPA Written Test, national certifying body exam, and/or the BEI; and

(iii). 20 contact hours of professional development issued within the year of provisional status. A minimum 5 hours must be in educational interpreter ethics training, and a minimum of 10 hours must be RID/BEI approved.

ii. Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised

(a). For individuals practicing to gain experience in sign language interpreting in PreK-12 educational settings under the direct supervision of a Registered PreK-12 Interpreter.

(b). Valid for one year from date of issuance; may be extended one time according to renewal policies outlined in this Part.

3. Legal/Court

a. For individuals providing interpreting services inclusive of settings that involve a legal matter, or any judicial proceeding under the government of the Louisiana Supreme Court

b. Reserved.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:726 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 503 Minimum Qualifications for Types of Registration

A. All interpreters seeking registration in the state must satisfy certain educational standards, performance standards, and knowledge standards, specific to each type of registration.

B. Minimum Qualification Requirements by Type

1. Generalist Registration

a. Minimum qualifications include certification through one of the following, which is inclusive of educational, performance and knowledge standards:

i. valid certification from a national certifying body of sign language interpreters, such as Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), excludes RID Ed: K-12. See Provisional Generalist or PreK-12 registration; or

ii. valid certification from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) advanced level or higher issued by a state that is a licensed user of the BEI system.

2. provisional generalist

a. Minimum qualifications includes proof of attainment of the following educational, performance and knowledge standards:

i. educational standard

(a). High school diploma or equivalent, or higher.

ii. performance standard

(a). valid Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Educational Certificate (Ed: K-12);

(b). valid Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Basic Certification or higher issued by a state that is a licensed user of the BEI system;

(c). educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) score 4.0 or higher; or

(d). Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) rating of superior or higher within the last five years.

iii. knowledge standard

(a). verification of passing the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) General Knowledge Exam;

(b). certificate of completion or higher degree from an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) issued by an accredited institution of higher education; or

(c). 100 hours of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) approved continuing education units (CEUs) and/or mentoring hours provided by an interpreting organization or institution issued within the last five years of application date.

3. Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised Support-Generalist

a. Minimum qualifications includes proof of attainment of the following standards:

i. one year or more of full-time professional interpreting experience;

ii. Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) Rating of advanced or higher within the last two years; and

iii. documentation of participation or completion of formal professional development such as:

(a). enrollment in a sign language interpreter training program or a formal mentorship program;

(b). a minimum of 20 approved Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) and/or Board of Evaluators of Interpreters (BEI) continuing education units (CEUs) accrued during each year of experience stated;

(c). letter from a registered interpreter verifying previously completed training, and/or supervised support;or

(d). one letter of recommendation from a registered interpreter and one letter of recommendation from a sign language interpreting professional representative (may include an interpreter agency director, sign language teacher, employer, professional organization representative, etc).

4. Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised-Generalist

a. Minimum qualifications includes proof of attainment of the following standards:

i. completion of a two year sign language interpreter education program or enrolled in a senior status of a four year sign language interpreter education program; and

ii. engagement in a formal mentoring program for sign language interpreters.

5. PreK-12 Registration

a. Minimum qualifications includes proof of attainment of the following educational, performance and knowledge standards:

i. educational standard

(a). associate's degree (or higher) issued by an accredited institution of higher education; and

(b). minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit from one or more accredited institutions of higher education.

ii. performance standard

(a). valid certification from a national certifying body of sign language interpreters, such as Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID);

(b). valid Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Advanced Certification or higher issued by a state that is a licensed user of the BEI system; or

(c). Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) 4.0 or higher.

iii. knowledge standard

(a). Verification of passing the EIPA Written Test.

6. Provisional PreK-12

a. Minimum qualifications includes proof of attainment of the following educational, performance and knowledge standards:

i. educational standard

(a). certificate of completion or higher degree from an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) issued by an accredited institution of higher education; or

(b). minimum of 30 semester hours of college credit from one or more accredited institutions of higher education.

ii. performance standard

(a). valid certification from a national certifying body of sign language interpreters, such as Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID);

(b). valid Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Basic Certification or higher issued by a state that is a licensed user of the BEI system;

(c). Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) score 3.0-3.9; or

(d). EIPA pre-hire screening with a result of ‘OK to hire’.

iii. knowledge standard

(a). not required for provisional.

7. Pre-K Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised

a. Minimum qualifications include proof of attainment of the following educational, performance and knowledge standards:

i. pre-hire screening of the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a result of ‘hire with caution/supervision’;

ii. completion of a two-year sign language interpreter education program or senior status of a four year interpreter education program; or

iii. verifiable participation in formal mentoring, job-shadowing, or training opportunities for sign language interpreters.

C. Requests for exceptions to any of the registration requirements due to extenuating circumstances, recognition of other credentials, or reciprocity from another state must be submitted in writing to the commission for review and may be eligible for approval on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions shall be determined through policies approved by the board of commissioners.

D. Individuals who hold a valid Educational Interpreter Ancillary or Provisional certificate issued by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) prior to July 1st of the year following this rule publication, must adhere to the following:

1. DOE Ancillary Certificate Holders

a. educational standard

i. minimum of one educational standard must be met;

ii. request for extension with verifiable proof of enrollment in associates degree or higher program with anticipated graduation date within four years from the date of request;

iii. request for exemption with verifiable employment within five years of retirement as defined by a state public retirement system; or

iv. request for exemption with verifiable proof of four years or more of full-time work in a K-12 educational setting, plus verification of one or more minimum performance requirements.

b. performance standard

i. minimum of one performance standard must be met; or

ii. request for one year extension with verifiable progress toward achieving new standard; Renewable annually up to 3x with verifiable progress toward achieving new standard.

c. knowledge standard

i. standard must be met; or

ii. request for exemption with verifiable proof of Proctor status for the Educational Interpreter Written Test granted prior to July 1, 2025.

2. DOE Provisional Certificate Holders

a. educational standard

i. minimum of one educational standard must be met; or

ii. request for extension with verifiable proof of enlistment in associates degree or higher program with anticipated graduation date within four years from date of request.

b. performance standard

i. minimum of one performance standard must be met.

c. knowledge standard

i. not required for provisional certificate holders.

3. Requests for exceptions to any of the registration requirements due to extenuating circumstances, recognition of other credentials, and/or reciprocity from other states must be submitted in writing to the commission for review and may be eligible for approval on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions shall be determined through policies approved by the board of commissioners.

E. Court/Legal (Reserved)

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:727 (May 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXII, § 505 Renewal Requirements by Registration Type

A. All interpreters seeking renewal of registration in the state must satisfy certain educational standards, performance standards, or knowledge standards, specific to each type of registration.

1. Registered Generalist

a. Valid for five years from date of issuance.

b. Renewable upon submission of proof of professional development via valid certification from a national certifying body of sign language interpreters, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI).

2. Provisional Generalist

a. Valid for three years from date of issuance.

b. May be extended for one year, up to two times, with submission of the following:

i. letter explaining the reason for extension request along with supporting documentation;

ii. 60 contact hours of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) approved continuing education units (CEUs) issued within the three year provisional status; and

iii. evidence of completion of a minimum of one component of the certification exam from a national certifying body of sign language interpreters, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI). Completion is not contingent upon successful passing or receipt of verified results.

3. Generalist Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised Support

a. Non-renewable.

4. Generalist Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised

a. Valid for one year from date of issuance.

b. May be extended one time with submission of evidence of continued enrollment in formal training opportunities for sign language interpreters.

5. Registered PreK-12

a. Valid for five years from date of issuance.

b. Renewable upon submission of proof of professional development via valid current certification from:

i. a national certifying body of sign language interpreters, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI); and

ii. 20 additional hours of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) approved professional development continuing education units (CEUs) specific to interpreting in education and accrued from the date of issuance of approved registration.

c. If a registrant does not hold Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification, proof of professional development must be provided through submission of:

i. 100 contact hours of continuing education units (CEUs)/professional development accrued from the date of issuance of approved registration. CEUs must be provided and distributed amongst the following categories (as defined by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf):

(a). a minimum of 60 contact hours shall be in Professional Studies;

(b). a maximum of 20 contact hours shall be in General Studies;

(c). a minimum of 20 hours shall be related to interpreting in education and/or ethical practices in education.

ii. Of the 100 contact hours, a minimum of 75 hours must be Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) approved via official transcript. This may include a maximum 45 contact hours (three semesters) in interpreting or general related academic coursework. The additional 25 contact hours may be received through local education agencies (LEA)/district/school requirements (e.g. district workshops on special education training, assessments, course content, required trainings, etc.) and verified by an LEA representative.

6. Provisional PreK-12

a. Non-renewable.

7. PreK-12 Temporary Practice Permit-Supervised

a. May be extended one time upon verification of continued enrollment in a higher education training program or mentoring program for sign language interpreters.

8. Registered Court/Legal (Reserved)

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2353.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 52:728 (May 2026).