Section 8-1003. Language assistance services  


Latest version.
  • a. The agency and all agency
      contractors shall provide free language assistance services as  required
      by this chapter to limited English proficient individuals.
        b.  When  a  limited  English  proficient individual seeks or receives
      benefits or services from an agency office  or  agency  contractor,  the
      agency  office  or  agency  contractor  shall  provide  prompt  language
      assistance services in all interactions with  that  individual,  whether
      the  interaction  is  by  telephone  or  in person. The agency office or
      agency contractor shall meet its obligation to provide  prompt  language
      assistance  services  for  purposes of this subdivision by ensuring that
      limited English proficient individuals do not have to wait  unreasonably
      longer  to  receive  assistance  than  individuals  who  do  not require
      language assistance services.
        c. Where an application or form requires completion in  English  by  a
      limited  English  proficient  individual  for  submission  to a state or
      federal authority, the agency or agency contractor  shall  provide  oral
      translation  of such application or form as well as certification by the
      limited English proficient individual that the form was  translated  and
      completed by an interpreter.
        d.  The  agency  shall make all reasonable efforts to provide language
      assistance services in person by bilingual personnel.