SECTION 612:10-13-22. Grievance procedures

(a)   Individuals who are dissatisfied with certification testing procedures or performance of a certified interpreter may file a written complaint with the designated Oklahoma interpreter certification program official, Department of Rehabilitation Services, within thirty (30) days of the grieved incident.

(b)   The Department will accept jurisdiction only for those incidents directly related to the evaluation and certification of interpreters for the deaf in Oklahoma and those incidents involving the performance of State Certified Interpreters that allege a specific violation of interpreting standards or ethical behavior.

(c)   Each complaint must be in writing and must set forth:

(1)   The date of the incident;

(2)   The names of the person(s) involved;

(3)   The location of the incident;

(4)   A description of the specific action or actions in question; and

(5)   The specific policy or procedure in question.

(d)   Upon receipt of a properly executed complaint, the Department will review the complaint and within thirty (30) days notify the respondent that a complaint has been filed. The respondent will have thirty (30) days from the date he or she receives the notification to respond. designated Oklahoma interpreter certification program official will review the information presented and make an initial decision regarding the merit of the complaint. The designated Oklahoma interpreter certification program official has thirty (30) days from the submittal of the grievance to make the decision. All parties concerned will be notified of the decision in writing.

(f)   If it is determined that a violation of either rules governing interpreter evaluations or standards and ethical behavior for interpreters may have occurred, the complaint will be referred to the grievance board.

(g)   If it is determined that no violation of rules related to evaluation and certification of Interpreters for the deaf or violation of interpreting standards and ethical behavior has occurred, the involved parties will be notified and the complaint will be dismissed. If the complaint is dismissed the complainant may request a formal hearing within thirty (30) days of receiving the notification. The request for formal hearing must be in writing and addressed to the designated Oklahoma interpreter certification program official at the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

[Source: Added at 11 Ok Reg 2449, eff 7-1-94; Amended at 12 Ok Reg 1487, eff 7-1-95; Amended at 13 Ok Reg 2239, eff 8-1-96; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 2388, eff 9-12-14]