I need to contrast the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct of an ASL/English Interpreter and the ethical code of a doctor. What are the differences focusing on the major tenets which are 1. confidentiality 2. professionalism 3. conduct 4. respects for consumer 5. respect for colleagues 5. business practice, and 7. professional development.
code of ethics.qxp NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Scope The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) uphold high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct for interpreters. Embodied in this Code of Professional Conduct (formerly known as the Code of Ethics) are seven tenets setting forth guid- ing principles, followed by illustrative behaviors. The tenets of this Code of Professional Conduct are to be viewed holistically and as a guide to pro- fessional behavior. This document provides assistance in complying with the code. The guiding prin- ciples offer the basis upon which the tenets are articulated. The illustrative behaviors are not exhaus- tive, but are indicative of the conduct that may either conform to or violate a specific tenet or the code as a whole. When in doubt, the reader should refer to the explicit language of the tenet. If further clarification is needed, questions may be directed to the national office of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. This Code of Professional Conduct is sufficient to encompass interpreter roles and responsibilities in every type of situation (e.g., educational, legal, medical). A separate code for each area of interpret- ing is neither necessary nor advisable. Philosophy The American Deaf community represents a cultural and linguistic group having the inalienable right to full and equal communication and to participation in all aspects of society. Members of the American Deaf community have the right to informed choice and the highest quality interpreting serv- ices. Recognition of the communication rights of America’s women, men, and children who are deaf is the foundation of the tenets, principles, and behaviors set forth in this Code of Professional Conduct. Voting Protocol This Code of Professional Conduct was presented through mail referendum to certified interpreters who are members in good standing with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. and the National Association of the Deaf. The vote was to adopt or to reject. Adoption of this Code of Professional Conduct Interpreters who are members in good standing with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. and the National Association of the Deaf voted to adopt this Code of Professional Conduct, effective July 1, 2005. This Code of Professional Conduct is a working document that is expected to change over time. The aforementioned members may be called upon to vote, as may be needed from time to time, on the tenets of the code. The guiding principles and the illustrative behaviors may change periodically to meet the needs and requirements of the RID Ethical Practices System. These sections of the Code of Professional Conduct will not require a vote of the members. However, members are encouraged to recommend changes for future updates. Function of the Guiding Principles It is the obligation of every interpreter to exercise judgment, employ critical thinking, apply the benefits of practical experience, and reflect on past actions in the practice of their profession. The guiding princi- ples in this document represent the concepts of confidentiality, linguistic and professional competence, impartiality, professional growth and development, ethical business practices, and the rights of partici- pants in interpreted situations to informed choice. The driving force behind the guiding principles is the notion that the interpreter will do no harm. When applying these principles to their conduct, interpreters remember that their choices are gov- erned by a “reasonable interpreter” standard. This standard represents the hypothetical interpreter who is appropriately educated, informed, capable, aware of professional standards, and fair-minded. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 333 Commerce Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703/838-0030 (V) 703/838-0459 (TTY) 703/838-0454 (Fax) www.rid.org © Copyright 2005 the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 1 CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Tenets 1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication. 2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation. 3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation. 4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers. 5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession. 6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices. 7. Interpreters engage in professional development. Applicability A. This Code of Professional Conduct applies to certified and associate members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., Certified members of the National Association of the Deaf, interns, and students of the profession. B. Federal, state or other statutes or regulations may supersede this Code of Professional Conduct. When there is a conflict between this code and local, state, or federal laws and regulations, the interpreter obeys the rule of law. C. This Code of Professional Conduct applies to interpreted situations that are performed either face- to-face or remotely. Definitions For the purpose of this document, the following terms are used: Colleagues: Other interpreters. Conflict of Interest: A conflict between the private interests (personal, financial, or professional) and the official or professional responsibilities of an interpreter in a position of trust, whether actual or perceived, deriving from a specific interpreting situation. Consumers: Individuals and entities who are part of the interpreted situation. This includes individu- als who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and hearing. 1.0 CONFIDENTIALITY Tenet: Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication. Guiding Principle: Interpreters hold a position of trust in their role as linguistic and cultural facili- tators of communication. Confidentiality is highly valued by consumers and is essential to protecting all involved. Each interpreting situation (e.g., elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education, legal, medical, mental health) has a standard of confidentiality. Under the reasonable interpreter standard, profes- sional interpreters are expected to know the general requirements and applicability of various levels of confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality include, for example, federal and state laws requiring mandatory reporting of abuse or threats of suicide, or responding to subpoenas. Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 1.1 Share assignment-related information only on a confidential and “as-needed” basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities). CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 333 Commerce Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703/838-0030 (V) 703/838-0459 (TTY) 703/838-0454 (Fax) www.rid.org © Copyright 2005 the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 2 1.2 Manage data, invoices, records, or other situational or consumer-specific information in a manner consistent with maintaining consumer confidentiality (e.g., shredding, locked files). 1.3 Inform consumers when federal or state mandates require disclosure of confidential information. 2.0 PROFESSIONALISM Tenet: Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpret- ing situation. Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to stay abreast of evolving language use and trends in the profession of interpreting as well as in the American Deaf community. Interpreters accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, communication mode, setting, and consumer needs. Interpreters possess knowledge of American Deaf culture and deafness-related resources. Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 2.1 Provide service delivery regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, dis- ability, sexual orientation, or any other factor. 2.2 Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment and make adjustments as needed. 2.3 Render the message faithfully by conveying the content and spirit of what is being communi- cated, using language most readily understood by consumers, and correcting errors discreetly and expeditiously. 2.4 Request support (e.g., certified deaf interpreters, team members, language facilitators) when needed to fully convey the message or to address exceptional communication challenges (e.g. cognitive disabilities, foreign sign language, emerging language ability, or lack of formal instruction or language). 2.5 Refrain from providing counsel, advice, or personal opinions. 2.6 Judiciously provide information or referral regarding available interpreting or community resources without infringing upon consumers’ rights. 3.0 CONDUCT Tenet: Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation. Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to present themselves appropriately in demeanor and appearance. They avoid situations that result in conflicting roles or perceived or actual conflicts of interest. Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 3.1 Consult with appropriate persons regarding the interpreting situation to determine issues such as placement and adaptations necessary to interpret effectively. 3.2 Decline assignments or withdraw from the interpreting profession when not competent due to physical, mental, or emotional factors. 3.3 Avoid performing dual or conflicting roles in interdisciplinary (e.g. educational or mental health teams) or other settings. 3.4 Comply with established workplace codes of conduct, notify appropriate personnel if there is a conflict with this Code of Professional Conduct, and actively seek resolution where warranted. 3.5 Conduct and present themselves in an unobtrusive manner and exercise care in choice of attire. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 333 Commerce Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703/838-0030 (V) 703/838-0459 (TTY) 703/838-0454 (Fax) www.rid.org © Copyright 2005 the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 3 3.6 Refrain from the use of mind-altering substances before or during the performance of duties. 3.7 Disclose to parties involved any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. 3.8 Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that might cause harm or interfere with the effectiveness of interpreting services. 3.9 Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for personal, monetary, or professional gain. 3.10 Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for the benefit of personal or pro- fessional affiliations or entities. 4.0 RESPECT FOR CONSUMERS Tenet: Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers. Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to honor consumer preferences in selection of inter- preters and interpreting dynamics, while recognizing the realities of qualifications, availability, and situation. Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 4.1 Consider consumer requests or needs regarding language preferences, and render the mes- sage accordingly (interpreted or transliterated). 4.2 Approach consumers with a professional demeanor at all times. 4.3 Obtain the consent of consumers before bringing an intern to an assignment. 4.4 Facilitate communication access and equality, and support the full interaction and independ- ence of consumers. 5.0 RESPECT FOR COLLEAGUES Tenet: Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns and students of the profession. Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to collaborate with colleagues to foster the delivery of effective interpreting services. They also understand that the manner in which they relate to col- leagues reflects upon the profession in general. Illustrative Behavior - Interpreters: 5.1 Maintain civility toward colleagues, interns, and