Professionalism and Ethics
Ethics as a decision process
The RID Code of Professional Conduct is organized around seven tenets: confidentiality, professional competence, conduct, respect for consumers, respect for colleagues, business practices, and professional development. Candidates must know that the Code is not a list of absolute rules to memorize; it frames a decision process. Learn at least one ethical decision-making model: identify the dilemma and stakeholders; gather facts; consult the Code, law, and trusted colleagues; list options and consequences; choose, act, document, and debrief. Know legal overlays: mandated reporting, subpoenas, HIPAA, FERPA, ADA Title II and Title III, and state licensure.
Traps: absolutizing confidentiality (it has legal limits and limited team or consultation exceptions); believing neutrality means never intervening; confusing legal obligation with ethical preference; accepting dual roles (family, friend, business partner); disclosing identifying information in supposedly anonymous case consultation; gifts and bartering; interpreting for one's own doctor or child's school. Watch for answer choices that sound virtuous but violate role boundaries, and for always or never wording.
Worked example: A physician says, 'Tell her she has to take this medication or she'll end up back here.' The interpreter should not counsel or persuade; convey the message accurately, including tone, and if the physician asks the interpreter to 'make sure she understands,' clarify the interpreter's role and offer to interpret a direct explanation. Rule of thumb: when ethics and expedience conflict, slow down, disclose the conflict, and use a documented decision process.