Interpreters are responsible for following the safety policies of the facility they are working in.

To provide spoken language interpretation, register with L&I's vendor SOS International LLC (SOSi). An L&I provider ID isn't required to sign up in WordBridge.

Interpreter agencies and individual Language Access Providers/Interpreters may not bill L&I.

What interpreter services are NOT covered?

  • Services provided on a claim that has been closed or denied, except for:
    • When it is the first doctor visit, or
    • A doctor's visit to file a reopening application, or
    • A worker receiving a pension with a treatment order
  • A missed appointment for any service, except IME appointments.
  • Personal assistance on behalf of the injured worker or the provider, such as:
    • Scheduling or confirming appointments
    • Translating correspondence
    • Making phone calls
    • Translating documents requested by the client or anyone else other than L&I.
    • Interpreting anything for the health care or vocational provider that doesn't relate to the injury.
  • Travel time and travel related expenses, such as:
    • Meals
    • Parking
    • Lodging
  • Overhead costs, such as:
    • Phone calls
    • Photocopying
    • Preparation of bills

L&I's expectations for interpreters

  • Comply with L&I's Incident Resolution Process (IRP) for Language Access Providers (LAPs).
  • Accurately interpret everything said during the appointment, with consideration given to linguistic and cultural differences. Asking for clarification is encouraged.
  • Respect the confidentiality of the client.
  • Let the provider know if you have a relationship to the patient or client that could affect the objectivity of your interpretation-- or give that impression.
  • Accurately and completely represent credentials, training, and experience to all parties.
  • Don’t arrange appointments in order to create business or to fit your schedule, such as canceling or rescheduling a worker's medical appointment. The providers arrange interpreter services.
  • Don’t provide transportation to or from health care or vocational appointments.
  • Follow WAC 388-03-050, and the ethics established by the certification/authorization you have obtained.
  • Comply with all requirements of the facilities you work with, such as background checks and vaccination history.
  • Verify identity and comply with any other security requirement. (Note: L&I doesn't maintain this information for interpreters.)
  • Sign up for the Interpreter Listserv. Enter your email address, click submit, then check the box under "Claims & Insurance" next to "Interpreter Services at L&I" to stay up to date.

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