The launch of the planned interpreter system for scheduling services is being delayed by the Department of Labor and Industries (DLI).
DLI is currently reassessing their implementation timeline for the new interpreter scheduling system, InterpreterWorks. This reassessment includes the following:
- Review of current work done to build this system.
- Incorporating feedback of end-users received during test-sessions.
- Clarifying registration process for both interpreters and providers.
- Determine a go-live date.
The go-live date is expected to be announced sometime this spring, with at least 30 days advance notice. To ensure a smooth transition, DLI will allow current schedulers to continue operating for a limited amount of time. In the meantime, users are recommended to continue to use their current interpreter system process.
Get More Info, and Give DLI Your Opinion
DLI offers answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and invites you to learn more. DLI also encourage both providers and interpreters to register for the new online appointment scheduling system through interpretingWorks.
Please contact DLI directly at interpretation@Lni.wa.gov with any questions or concerns. Voicing your opinion now may help everyone involved in the provision of interpreter services to claimants.
De-activating Interpreter Agency Accounts
To comply with the new law, all interpreter agency accounts, and interpreters doing business with DLI under those agency group accounts, will be de-activated in early 2021. Interpreters who want to continue providing services to injured workers and victims of crime may enroll with interpretingWorks or maintain an independent interpreter provider account at DLI. Agencies have one year to bill DLI for services provided prior to this cut-off date.
What Will Happen to Independent Interpreters?
There will be limited opportunities for independent interpreters to provide services for DLI appointments after the interpretingWorks roll-out. Their services are only approved for use in on-demand appointments that do not have a pre-scheduled time, such as emergency, urgent care, and walk-in appointments.
In very rare cases, DLI may approve a claimant’s request to work with a consistent, independent interpreter. These requests will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
What About the Claimant’s Needs?
A lack of choice in which interpreter an injured worker chooses to work with while going through the process of medical and vocational services under a claim is significant. It is not like requesting a driver through a ride-share app, but that is how the system seems to treat it, at least at first glance.
There may be more bumps in the road on this journey towards implementation of the new interpreter system. Claimants should make their opinions and needs known to DLI along the way.