Important update to Preferred Interpreter Policy for SIMPs effective July 1, 2026

This message is for Language Access Providers (LAPs), Structured Intensive Multidisciplinary Program (SIMP) clinics and healthcare providers who refer workers to SIMPs.

What’s changing?

Starting July 1, 2026, SIMP clinics will no longer be able to choose a preferred interpreter for workers undergoing a SIMP. Instead, our system will offer the job to all local interpreters who meet the requirements, such as language and the worker’s preferred gender.

A preferred interpreter can still be requested for appointments when the worker is a victim of a crime, has an accepted mental health condition and the appointment is with their mental health provider, or for appointments that are part of a brain injury rehab program.

Next steps

We will provide training materials to help interpreters learn about:

• What to expect when accepting a SIMP appointment
• The role of an interpreter
• The interpreter Code of Ethics
• L&I’s Incident Resolution Process/Quality Assurance plan
• How to accept assignments responsibly
• Any additional policies specific to the SIMP clinic

We prioritize access to high-quality interpreters for L&I providers, crime victims, and workers. Please send any questions regarding this policy change to Interpretation@Lni.wa.gov.

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