Interpreters Request Grace Period for Certification Rules

By Greg Jones, Western Bureau ChiefInterpreters say they were caught off guard by California Division of Workers' Compensation regulations that took effect Aug. 13 requiring them to obtain certification, and as a result, many are out of work and injured workers will have fewer options.Senate Bill 863 required the administrative director of the DWC to establish separate lists of interpreters certified for workers’ compensation hearings and medical appointments. Only interpreters who are certified by an agency or agencies designated by the administrative director will be paid for their...