Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 656A - Interpreters and Realtime Captioning Providers
🔹 Overview of NAC Chapter 656A
NAC Chapter 656A regulates sign language interpreters and realtime captioning providers in Nevada. It includes rules about:
Registration and qualifications – Who can provide interpreting or realtime captioning services, and the levels of registration (apprentice, skilled, advanced, CART).
Duties and scope of practice – What interpreters and captioners are allowed to do professionally.
Professional conduct – Rules about ethics, confidentiality, and competence.
Reporting requirements – Updating contact information, completion of required forms, and notifying authorities about professional changes.
Disciplinary actions – Circumstances under which the Division can suspend, revoke, or limit registration.
Hearings and appeals – How complaints are handled and how providers can respond.
The goal is to ensure safe, competent, and ethical services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
⚖️ Detailed Hypothetical Cases
Case 1 – Incompetence in Service
Scenario:
An interpreter is assigned to a hospital and repeatedly misinterprets medical instructions, causing confusion about medication schedules.
Outcome:
The Division can investigate and may suspend or require remedial training because the interpreter did not provide services with reasonable skill or safety.
Case 2 – False Documentation
Scenario:
A realtime captioner submits a forged certification to qualify for advanced registration.
Outcome:
Submitting false documents is a serious violation. The Division could revoke registration, impose fines, or deny renewal until verified credentials are provided.
Case 3 – Negligence
Scenario:
An interpreter frequently arrives late for court assignments, missing key parts of testimony.
Outcome:
Negligence or unprofessional conduct is grounds for discipline. Sanctions may include probation, required continuing education, or temporary suspension.
Case 4 – Failure to Report
Scenario:
An interpreter changes their address and phone number but fails to update the Division or submit required reports.
Outcome:
This violates reporting requirements. The Division can issue warnings or suspend registration until compliance is met.
Case 5 – Criminal Conviction
Scenario:
A realtime captioner is convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude outside of work.
Outcome:
The conviction is grounds for disciplinary action. Registration may be suspended or revoked to protect public trust.
Case 6 – External Discipline
Scenario:
An interpreter disciplined in another state for unprofessional behavior applies for Nevada registration.
Outcome:
Prior disciplinary history can influence approval. The Division may require evidence of corrective action or impose conditions before granting registration.
Case 7 – Confidentiality Breach
Scenario:
An interpreter at a medical clinic shares patient information with unauthorized parties.
Outcome:
Breaching confidentiality is a violation of professional ethics. Possible sanctions include suspension, probation, or required ethics training.
Case 8 – Working Beyond Scope
Scenario:
A sign language interpreter attempts to provide legal advice during a courtroom assignment.
Outcome:
Interpreters must stay within the scope of practice. The Division could suspend registration for practicing outside allowed duties.
Case 9 – Persistent Miscommunication
Scenario:
A CART provider consistently produces inaccurate real-time captions, causing miscommunication in an educational setting.
Outcome:
The Division could place the provider on probation, require additional training, or limit assignments until accuracy improves.
Case 10 – Unprofessional Conduct Toward Clients
Scenario:
An interpreter behaves in a disrespectful or threatening way toward a client during multiple assignments.
Outcome:
This is unprofessional conduct. Disciplinary measures could include fines, suspension, or permanent revocation depending on severity.
🔹 Summary
NAC 656A ensures that interpreters and realtime captioners in Nevada:
Are competent, trained, and registered
Follow ethical standards
Maintain confidentiality
Provide safe and accurate communication access
Violations, whether due to incompetence, negligence, misrepresentation, criminal activity, or unprofessional behavior, can trigger investigation and sanctions to protect the public.
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