INTERPRETER SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
4 min read

ENSURING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH SPECIALIZED INTERPRETATION SUPPORT

Interpreter Services in Ohio help individuals with disabilities—such as hearing, speech, or cognitive impairments—access services, participate in community life, and communicate effectively with caregivers, providers, and peers. These services are essential for ensuring equal access, autonomy, and compliance with federal accessibility requirements. Interpreter Services are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Provides Medicaid reimbursement for interpreter services under approved waiver programs.

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Oversees interpretation services used within waiver programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Agency: Ohio Department of Aging (ODA)

Role: Coordinates interpreter supports for older adults under programs such as PASSPORT.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring interpreter services meet HCBS requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504.

2. INTERPRETER SERVICES OVERVIEW

Interpreter Services support communication between individuals with disabilities and service providers, employers, or community resources using appropriate modes of communication.

Approved providers may deliver:

Sign Language Interpretation (ASL): Interpretation for individuals with hearing impairments in real-time settings.
Communication Support for Cognitive/Developmental Disabilities: Simplified language interpretation and visual support strategies.
Tactile or Close-Vision Interpreting: For individuals who are deafblind or have dual sensory impairments.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support: Assisting with interpretation of communication boards, devices, or apps.
Community Access Support: Interpretation in settings like schools, medical appointments, work, or community meetings.
Event and Group Support: Interpreters for day programs, supported employment, and community integration activities.
Cultural and Linguistic Matching: Ensuring interpreters are sensitive to both cultural and disability-related needs.
Documentation: Logging hours, service locations, communication modality used, and outcomes of interpreted interactions.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Interpreter Services Provider via the Ohio Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal or through DODD (for IDD services).
Maintain general and professional liability insurance.
Work with interpreters certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI), or equivalent.
Develop policies for service delivery, HIPAA compliance, and grievance handling.
Ensure interpreters complete background checks and disability-specific communication training.

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Submit a provider enrollment application via ODM or DODD (depending on the target population).

Documentation Submission:

Provide Articles of Incorporation, proof of insurance, interpreter certifications, policy manuals, and staff background checks.

Readiness Review:

Agencies review service protocols, interpreter qualifications, and compliance with ADA and waiver standards.

Approval & Medicaid Billing:

Once approved, providers receive a Medicaid billing number and may begin offering interpretation services to approved waiver participants.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Ohio Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI registration
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Interpreter Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Scheduling, matching, and delivery of interpreter support
- Staff credentialing, certification, and continuing education
- Participant rights, HIPAA compliance, and emergency procedures
- Documentation standards for tracking services and Medicaid billing
- Cultural competence and communication modality procedures
- Quality assurance and consumer satisfaction tracking