"The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) provides people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing with programs, services, and resources to ensure full communication access to the world around them. Staff work closely with members of the d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities to continuously improve programs and services to meet their needs."

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The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf is pleased to announce the publication of the new minimum qualification standards for sign language interpreters! Check out the Department of Administration's Louisiana Register Volume 52- May edition here. We can expect the the rules to be displayed in Title 46 of Louisiana Administrative Code within the next few weeks.   

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As a reminder, these new requirements are intended to improve communication access for d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing sign language users statewide.

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The standards are separated into work setting categories for interpreters:  general community, PreK-12 education, and court/legal settings.

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As of May 20, 2026, all sign language interpreters working in general community and PreK-12 settings must meet the minimum standards, or show active progress toward meeting the standards in order to provide interpreting services in the state. Currently, interpreters working in general community settings, including medical, and PreK-12 educational settings under the purview of the Louisiana Department of Education are required to seek approval for inclusion in the Louisiana Interpreter Registry. Court and legal settings, along with requirements for Deaf Interpreters are being developed and expected to be published in the fall of 2026.

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Applications for inclusion on the Louisiana Interpreter Registry will open by July 1, 2026.

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A memo sent by Louisiana Commission for the Deaf with detailed information and important timelines for interpreters, hiring entities, school districts, etc can be found here.  

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Learn more by visiting the Louisiana Interpreter Registry webpage and the minimum qualification standards for interpreters webpage. 

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A press release will be sent out soon by the Louisiana Department of Health and will be shared with you. This will also be a great source to share with others. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook.

For questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Thank you!!

 

Jana M. Broussard
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf, Acting Executive Director
Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health

jana.broussard@la.gov | Phone: 225-219-1668

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