Professional standards for interpreters

Standards of conduct for professionals who provide services for injured workers covered by Pinnacol.

Professional standards

Standards of conduct define the essential behaviors for professionals who provide services for injured workers covered by Pinnacol Assurance. Services for injured workers should be provided based on human need without regard to their race, religion, gender, age or disability.

Interpreters

Interpreters must maintain a professional and ethical manner at all times. Information discovered in the performance of professional duty should be treated as confidential within the treating team except with the injured worker’s consent or if required by law.

Interpreters will refrain from accepting assignments beyond professional skills, language fluency or level of training.
Interpreters will select the language and mode of communication that most accurately conveys the content and the spirit of the messages of the injured workers.
Interpreters should not counsel, advise or project their personal beliefs or biases and should refrain from personal involvement.
Interpreters should disclose any conflicts of interest and decline or withdraw from assignments if necessary.
Interpreters should not complete forms or write for patients. Written translation requires different formal training and specific skills.
If the provider leaves the room during the appointment, the interpreter should also leave the room. Confirm with the clinic regarding its expectation of where the interpreter should wait.
If an injured worker has questions about the clinic instructions, restrictions or paperwork, they should contact their assigned claims representative or designated provider.
Interpreters should arrive at the facility at the appointment time and depart from the facility when the appointment is concluded.
Upon request, the interpreter should submit confirmation of services rendered for billing audits.

Providing services with compassion and respect for the dignity and rights of the injured workers is an expectation of all contract providers for Pinnacol Assurance.