Home  | Ethics  | Ethics FAQ

Ethics FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions that RID receives regarding ethical concerns, the Ethical Practices System (EPS) and the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What do I do if I have an ethical dilemma?

If you have questions regarding an ethical dilemma, first consult the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct (PDF) and the RID Standard Practice Papers. You may also contact the national office. While the office staff or the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) may not be able to resolve ethical questions directly, they can provide you with materials which may assist you or refer you to individuals or agencies who may advise you. Be open to communicating with colleagues and consumers about ethical situations.

What do I do if I’ve been subpoenaed?

These resources address subpoenas and testifying in court:
 To Testify or Not to Testify: That is the Question (October 2002 VIEWS article)
Responding to Subpoenas (August/September 2004 VIEWS article)
The Murky Waters of Testifying in Court (November 2006 VIEWS article)

How do I File an EPS Complaint?

Most questions on how to file a complaint can be answered here.

If I believe an interpreter violated the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct, how long do I have to file a complaint?

A complaint must be received by the national office within 90 days of the alleged violation.

What if the interpreter is not a member of RID?

If an interpreter is not a member of RID, you cannot file a complaint against him/her through RID’s EPS. You may way to discuss the problem with the interpreter, and if that is not successful, consider talking to the employing entity that contracted or arranged for the interpreting service.

Who can I contact at the national office?

If, after looking through the EPS Policy Manual , the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct, and the Complaint Filing Guidelines, you still have unanswered questions, contact the EPS Coordinator.

Who are the mediators?

The mediators are members of RID and/or the National Association for the Deaf (NAD). They are interpreters and deaf individuals who have completed professional mediation training through RID. They are knowledgeable in ASL, deafness and the interpreting process. All mediators agree to abide by the Models of Conduct for Mediators developed by the American Arbitration Association, the American Bar Association and the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution.

Do I have to prepare for mediation?

Often, parties feel they need to prepare for mediation by gathering evidence to support their position. However, the purpose of mediation is not to find fault and assign blame but rather to allow both parties an opportunity to express their perspectives fully and to work toward a resolution with the guidance of the mediator(s). Therefore, it is not necessary to bring any evidentiary documents to the mediation. Prepare for mediation by reviewing the EPS Policy Manual and all materials sent to you by RID.

Who are the adjudicators?

RID has appointed a group of adjudicators to serve as case reviewers. The adjudicators are all members of RID and/or NAD, are certified interpreters (deaf and hearing), are skilled in ethical decision-making and are knowledgeable in the field of interpreting and deafness. Adjudicators are given an orientation to the RID complaint structure and undergo training in the case review process.

Do I have to prepare for adjudication?

The goal of the adjudication process is to determine whether an ethical violation has occurred. While the burden of proof falls to the complainant, both parties must submit all of the relevant supporting information that they wish the panel to consider in its deliberations.

In preparing for adjudication, each party may gather affidavits, documents and written or videotaped testimony by material witnesses relevant to the charge or defense. Written or videotaped testimony by witnesses who can attest to the character of the complainant or respondent but who have no material involvement with the complaint are not permitted.