Filing a Complaint

Act 57 is a consumer protection law. The Pennsylvania law defines a qualified interpreter as one who is registered with the PA Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. You can refer to the exact language in Section 1725.2 Definitions and Section 1725.4 State registration required.

Act 57 defines registration violations and unlawful practice. In both cases, the interpreter can face disciplinary action.

Registration Violations

The Act states the Department shall have the authority to impose disciplinary or corrective measures or levy civil penalties on a registrant. Refer to Act 57, Section 1725.8 for the list of registration violations.

If it is found that an interpreter violated the registration process; the law instructs ODHH to do the following:

Give written notice to the registrant specifying the violation or violations found.
The department may assess an administrative fine not to exceed $500 for each violation. In setting the fine, the department shall consider the severity of the violation and whether there is a pattern of violations.

Unlawful Practices

There are 8 exceptions, which do NOT require interpreters to register with ODHH. You can read the 8 exceptions at Section 1725.4 State registration required.

If an individual violates one or more of the exceptions, the law instructs ODHH to follow Section 1725.4 State registration section c — unlawful practice.

Filing a complaint

Individuals who believe that an interpreter has or is committing a registration violation or is committing an unlawful practice, a complaint may be filed with ODHH.

Complaints can be submitted via the online form, in writing or by recording a visual language.

Your complaint must include the following information:

Complainant’s:

      Name
      Address
      Telephone Number(s)
      Email Address

Interpreter(s):
      Name
      Address (if known)

Statement of Facts:
      Facts of what happened
      Date and time of incident
      Location of incident

Witnesses:
      Names*
      Contact Information

* Complaint can also include information of individuals who have first hand knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the complaint.

Do not hesitate to contact the Harrisburg office for guidance or inquiries.

Send your complaint to:

Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Interpreter Complaint

1521 North Sixth Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102