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Ever since the
Division of Professional Registration began licensing interpreters
there has been an ambiguity in the law that this bill will
eliminate. It was always clear that an interpreter needed to show
evidence of current certification in order to "initially obtain" a
license from the Division of Professional Registration to provide
interpreting services. However, it was not at all clear that annual
"renewal" of a license could be denied because of failure to
maintain current certification, that is, failure to obtain the
annually required Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The revised
wording of section 209.323(2) of HB 564 now clarifies that
ambiguity, and will require that interpreters in Missouri maintain
their skills through annual continuing education activities in order
to renew their licenses.
The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing testified in support of HB 564 before the House Professional
Registration and Licensing Committee on 3/11/03. Advocates who would
like to see this bill become law should contact their local
representative and senator and urge their support of HB 564.
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