FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q (1): How can one become a DSHS credentialed medical interpreter?
A: The process of becoming a DSHS credentialed medical interpreter consists of the following steps:
1. Set up a candidate profile on the Language Testing & Certification (LTC) Gateway website.
2. Pass the required test(s) from a third-party testing provider approved by DSHS.
3. Submit the test score(s) to DSHS.
4. Complete DSHS’ orientation trainings for new medical interpreters, including the Medical Interpreter Orientation and Ethics Orientation trainings and quizzes.
5. Submit a credential request through the Gateway candidate profile.
Q (2): How do DSHS credentialed medical interpreters maintain their credential status?
A: If you have been credentialed as a medical interpreter, you can maintain your DSHS credential status by earning a minimum of twenty continuing education (CE) credits every four years (WAC 388-03-160). At least one credit per year must be in ethics training. The four ethics credits must be earned by taking either the annual CE ethics training and quiz linked on your LTC Gateway profile, or DSHS approved CE courses offering ethics credits. The 16 general credits must all be earned by taking DSHS approved CE courses. A current list of DSHS approved CE courses is published on the CE Activity List page of the LTC Gateway website.
You must submit your CE credits by the expiration date of your credential. If you do not complete the CE credits by the due date(s), your credential will expire, and you must retest if you want to become a DSHS credentialed medical interpreter again.
Q (3): Why does DSHS use third-party testing for certifying medical interpreters?
A: DSHS relies on third-party testing as part of its certification process for medical interpreters to ensure that there is an adequate pool of qualified interpreters to meet language access needs of Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities. Third party testing:
a) Allows testing demands to be met; and
b) Provides an efficient and sustainable approach to meeting the language access needs of LEP communities in the state.
Q (4): What are the advantages of using third-party testing instead of in-house testing as part of the certification process?
A: Third-party testing is beneficial in a variety of ways. It:
a) Keeps up with increasing language access needs of Washington residents.
b) Ensures the quality of interpreter services by using tests that meet all current national and federal standards for interpreter skills testing focused on medical settings.
c) Increases the pool of qualified interpreters serving Washington state’s diverse population.
d) Expands testing options for candidates.
e) Allows candidates to take tests virtually anytime and anywhere using up-to-date tests on a virtual testing platform.
f) Allows candidates to get their test scores faster.
g) Reduces the amount of time it takes for candidates to complete the certification process.
Q (5): How does DSHS approve third-party medical interpreter testing entities?
A: Third-party testing providers are approved based on their capacity of test development, the quality of the tests, and the technology of the testing process as explained below.
a) Capacity of test development: Third-party testing entities have sustainable professional resources for test development and test updates.
b) Quality of tests: Third-party tests meet DSHS standards for medical interpreter testing. The tests cover important topic areas and essential skills for interpreting in healthcare settings.
c) Technology: Third-party testing is available virtually. Candidates can register for tests anytime and can take the tests anywhere they choose.
Once approved, DSHS provides information on which third-party testing providers meet the DSHS test standards for certification.
Q (6): How will DSHS continue to certify medical interpreters with the third-party testing process?
A: The costs for third-party testing are the responsibility of the candidate and are currently less than $250.00. Once a medical interpreter passes a test provided by a third-party entity who meets the requirements established by DSHS, DSHS reviews the candidate’s credential request and issues the credential. DSHS also manages credential revocations by responding to revocation requests for de-certification due to non-compliance with WAC 388-03-170 from entities that use DSHS interpreters (e.g., HCA, DCYF, and other entities).
Q (7): Who is DSHS working with besides the Language Access Work Group?
A: The Language Access Work Group support team works with the DSHS Research and Data Analysis Division on research related to tasks outlined in Section 3 of SSB 5304, including but not limited to: required skills of certified language access providers, strategies for increasing language access in rural communities and for languages of lesser demand, and strategies for workforce resilience.
The work group is reaching out to LEP communities to gather information on their language access needs through such methods as mail, email, phone, and a questionnaire survey.
Besides the Language Access Work Group, DSHS also meets with other related groups to ensure the recommendations to be submitted to the legislature include the input of all stakeholders. These groups include LEP families who are or may be clients of state services, as well as state agencies and healthcare providers who are the major users of DSHS certified/authorized/qualified language access providers.
Q (8): What is the decision-making process for DSHS to include recommendations from the Language Access Work Group in the final report submitted to the legislature?
A: All recommendations collected from the Language Access Work Group will be included in the final report submitted to the legislature, with the top recommendations selected based on the vote/ranking provided by the work group participants. The recommendations will be considered by legislators to help inform their future decisions related to supporting spoken language medical interpreters that serve Washington State residents.
Q (9): What will happen to the draft recommendations submitted by the work group participants?
A: The draft recommendations are working documents intended to help participants formulate ideas for the final report to the legislature. Since these are working documents, participants can edit their responses on the Google form, or submit an updated draft recommendation by email, after submitting their initial draft recommendation. Any additional recommendations from participants will be included as an addendum to the final report.
Q (10): What is the process for submitting the work group’s final report to the legislature?
A: The process for submitting the final report to the legislature involves the following steps:
1. The draft goes out for public comment.
2. The final report will be reviewed and approved by the DSHS Secretary.
3. The report is submitted to the Office of Financial Management for budget review and HR staffing review to help guide the discussions of the legislators.
4. The annotated report is also reviewed by Governor’s Policy Office.
5. The final report will go to the legislative aides to ensure that it is available for review by the legislators no later than December 1, 2023