(a) The cost of providing an interpreter under this article shall be paid by the agency having jurisdiction over the matter if the presiding officer so directs, otherwise by the party at whose request the interpreter is provided.
(b) The presiding officer’s decision to direct payment shall be based upon an equitable consideration of all the circumstances in each case, such as the ability of the party in need of the interpreter to pay.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board or the Division of Workers’ Compensation relating to workers’ compensation claims, the payment of the costs of providing an interpreter shall be governed by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board or the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, as appropriate.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 938, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 1996. Operative July 1, 1997, by Sec. 98 of Ch. 938 and Section 11400.10.)