CPC Tenet + Subtenets

Interpreters adhere to confidential communication.

1.0 Tenet

Share assignment related information only on a confidential and as-needed basis.

1.1 Tenet

Manage date, records, invoices or other situational or consumer specific information in a manner consistent with consumer confidentiality.

1.2 Tenet

Inform clients when federal or state mandates require disclosure about confidential information.

1.3 Tenet

Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.

2.0 Tenet

Provide service delivery regardless race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other factor.

2.1 Tenet

Assess consumer needs and the interpreting situation before and during the assignment, make adjustments as needed.

2.2 Tenet

Render the message faithfully conveying the content and spirit of what is being communicated, using language most readily understood by consumers and correcting errors discreetly and expeditiously.

2.3 Tenet

Request support when unable to fully convey the message or to address exceptional communication challenges.

2.4 Tenet

Refrain from providing counsel, advice, or personal opinions.

2.5 Tenet

Judiciously provide information or referral regarding available interpreting or community resources without infringing upon consumer's rights.

2.6 Tenet

Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation

3.0 Tenet

Consult with appropriate persons regrading the interpreting situation to determine issues such as placement, and adaptations necessary to interpret effectively.

3.1 Tenet

Decline assignments or withdraw from the interpreting profession when not competent due to physical, mental, or emotional factors.

3.2 Tenet

Avoid performing dual or conflicting roles in interdisciplinary or other settings.

3.3 Tenet

Comply with established workplace codes of conduct, notify appropriate personnel if there is a problem with code of professional conduct and actively seek resolution where warranted.

3.4 Tenet

Conduct and present themselves in an unobtrusive manner and exercise care in choice of attire.

3.5 Tenet

Refrain from the use of mind-altering substances before or during the performance of duties.

3.6 Tenet

Disclose to parties involved any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

3.7 Tenet

Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that might cause harm or interfere with the effectiveness of interpreting services.

3.8 Tenet

Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for personal, monetary, or professional gain.

3.9 Tenet

Refrain from using confidential interpreted information for the benefit of personal or professional affiliations or entities.

3.10 Tenet

Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers

4.0 Tenet

Consider consumer requests or needs regarding language preferences, and render the message accordingly (interpreted or transliterated).

4.1 Tenet

Approach consumers with a professional demeanor at all times.

4.2 Tenet

Obtain the consent of consumers before bringing an intern to an assignment.

4.3 Tenet

Facilitate communication access and equality, and support the full interaction and independence of consumers.

4.4 Tenet

Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and student of the profession.

5.0 Tenet

Maintain civility toward colleagues, interns, and students.

5.1 Tenet

Work cooperatively with team members through consultation before assignment regarding logistics, providing professional and courteous assistance when asked and monitoring the accuracy of the message while functioning in the role of the support interpreter.

5.2 Tenet

Approach colleagues privately to discuss and resolve breaches of ethical or professional conduct through standard conflict resolution methods, file a formal grievance only after such attempts have been unsuccessful or the breaches are harmful or habitual.

5.3 TEnet

Assist and encourage colleagues by sharing information and serving as mentors when appropriate.

5.4 Tenet

Obtain the consent of colleagues before bringing an intern to an assignment.

5.5 Tenet

Interpreters maintain ethical business practices

6.0 Tenet

Accurately represent qualifications, such as certification, educational background, and experience, and provide documentation when requested.

6.1 Tenet

Honor professional commitments and terminate assignments only when fair and justifiable grounds exist.

6.2 Tenet

Promote conditions that are conducive to effective communication, inform the parties involved if such conditions do not exist, and seek appropriate remedies.

6.3 Tenet

Inform appropriate parties in a timely manner when delayed or unable to fulfill assignments.

6.4 Tenet

Reserve the option to decline or discontinue assignments if working conditions are not safe, healthy, or conducive to interpreting.

6.5 Tenet

Refrain from harassment or coercion before, during, or after the provision of interpreting services.

6.6 Tenet

Render pro bono services in a fair and reasonable manner.

6.7 Tenet

Charge fair and reasonable fees for the performance of interpreting services and arrange for payment in a professional and judicious manner.

6.8 Tenet

Interpreters engage in professional development

7.0 Tenet

Increase knowledge and strengthen skills through activities such as: pursuing higher education, attending workshops and conferences, seeking mentoring and supervision opportunities, participating in community events, and engaging in independent studies.

7.1 Tenet

Keep abreast of laws, policies, rules, and regulations that affect the profession.

7.2 Tenet