DCFAS/IHSS: Interpreter Services Statement and Confidentiality Agreement

On October 17, 2024, UPE met and conferred with representatives from IHSS regarding the use of a new, state-mandated form for the use of interpreter services. Under California law, the County must provide interpreter services free of charge to IHSS clients. The County will now begin to use the state form CR 6181 in place of the County form SAS 590. The use of the CR 6181 is the same as the SAS 590 except for two important additions. When clients choose to use their own interpreter, a County-provided interpreter must be present to review CR 6181 and help answer any questions the client may have. This is true even if the CR 6181 is available in the client’s language of choice. Once this process is completed, the client may use their own interpreter.

In addition, when speaking with a client on the phone through the client’s own interpreter, IHSS staff must be sure there is a valid CR 6181 on file for the interpreter. If there is not one on file, a County-provided interpreter must help review the form before the new client-provided interpreter may take over. Previously, IHSS staff only needed verbal consent from the client to use the client’s own interpreter.

These additional steps are state-mandated and must be performed. There are a couple of requirements which are being removed with the new form. First, a CR 6181 will not be required when clients use County-provided interpreter services. Previous County policy required an SAS 590 in this circumstance.

Second, a CR 6181 is no longer needed if a client uses English as a second language but consents to the interview taking place in English.

Staff will receive training on the new form as part of the expanding, state-mandated e-forms rollout. The Department plans to complete that rollout by January 2025. If members have questions or concerns, please reach out to UPE.

UPE thanks Deanna Green and Edward Holmes for representing our members during this meeting.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG!