Code of Massachusetts Regulations 112 CMR - COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
Here’s an overview of the 112 CMR – Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as outlined in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations:
🔹 112 CMR – Title & Scope
Title 112 CMR governs the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, established under M.G.L. c. 6, § 192. It comprises a commissioner and an advisory board, empowered to administer programs, receive grants, and promulgate regulations related to deaf and hard-of-hearing services (malegislature.gov).
🔹 Subtitles under 112 CMR
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| 1.00 – Administrative Review & Fair Hearing | Establishes procedures for reviewing and appealing Commission decisions—defines key roles like Deputy Commissioner, Impartial Hearing Officer, and Appeals Coordinator (law.cornell.edu). |
| 2.00 – Reserved | No current content. |
| 3.00 – Interpreter Services | Governs provision and procurement of interpreter services for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals by state agencies. Covers purpose, scope, definitions (§ 3.03), a central referral point (§ 3.04), contracting (§ 3.05), and fare schedules (§ 3.06), with periodic rate reviews and stakeholder input . |
| 6.00 – Criminal Offender Record Checks (CORI) | Sets the framework for background checks on personnel providing services under the Commission’s purview . |
📌 Highlights from Key Sections
1.00 – Administrative Review and Fair Hearing
Definitions & Roles: Clarifies responsibilities of the Deputy Commissioner, Appeals Coordinator, and Impartial Hearing Officer (law.cornell.edu).
Review Process: The Review Officer must issue a written decision within 20 days (10 days if awaiting additional info), notify relevant parties, and include fair hearing rights (regulations.justia.com).
Implementation: Any ruling is binding and must be put into effect within 20 days after issuance (regulations.justia.com).
3.00 – Interpreter Services
Purpose: Centralizes how state agencies obtain interpreter services and establishes a referral system (mass.gov).
Contracting & Rates: The Commission sets standard service rates, reviewed periodically with input from interpreting associations and advocacy groups; amended as of June 6, 2014 (law.cornell.edu).
6.00 – Criminal Offender Record Checks
Compliance Audits: Includes authority to audit CORI compliance under § 6.15—a requirement to ensure personnel undergo proper background checks (casetext.com).
📝 Regulatory Authority & Implementation
Statutory Basis: Commission operations derive from M.G.L. c. 6 §§ 192 & 196; the Commissioner is authorized to issue regulations as needed (§ 192) (malegislature.gov).
Effective Dates: For example, § 3.06’s rate-setting was amended effective June 6, 2014 (law.cornell.edu); § 1.09 updated through March 14, 2025 (regulations.justia.com).
Summary: 112 CMR provides a legal structure for administrative procedures, interpreter services, and background checks for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It ensures due process for clients, regulated service provision, and accountability through statutory authority.
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