What are standards of practice?

• A. A list of punishments for misconduct
• B. Standards used to determine interpreter salaries
• C. Benchmarks for how we perform, including practical do's/don'ts that uphold ethics
• D. Guidelines for hospital administrative procedures

Answer: (C)

Standards of practice set the expected way we perform our work. They are practical benchmarks or guidelines that describe the duties, behaviors, and procedures that uphold ethical interpretation. This includes aiming for accuracy and completeness, protecting confidentiality, remaining impartial, and showing cultural responsiveness and appropriate language use. They guide daily interpreting tasks, provide a basis for evaluating performance, and support training to ensure high-quality care for patients and providers. They’re not about punishments, salaries, or administrative rules; they define what good practice looks like in real situations and tell us what to do or avoid. When questions arise, standards of practice help you seek clarification, disclose any limitations, and maintain professional boundaries.