Save the date for a virtual information gathering session!
Virtual Information Gathering Session on Sign Language Interpreting
Hosted by the Health Licensing Office
Join us for an important information gathering session focused on the future of sign language interpreter licensing and regulation in Oregon. This session is intended to gather public and community feedback ahead of the formal rulemaking process related to SB 950 (2025). We invite all stakeholders to share their thoughts, experiences, and suggestions. Your input will help shape the upcoming Rule Advisory Committee discussions and the Board of Sign Language Interpreters' (Board) final decisions regarding rulemaking.
Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Invitation and attendance information: Virtual Information Gathering Session
If you have any questions about accommodations or need assistance to participate, please contact Josh Page at josh.page@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 934-0720; or Krissy Pickett at krissy.pickett@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 378-2093. All relay calls are accepted.
Manage Account: Preferences
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority programs and services. Some examples of the free help we can provide include sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, Braille, large print, audio, and other formats. If you need help or have questions, please contact us.
The Health Licensing Office (HLO) is extending the limited waiver on enforcement through
midnight on June 30, 2026. This extension allows the Oregon Board of Sign Language Interpreters (the Board) and the Rules Advisory Committee to continue the rulemaking process and draft additional rules required by SB 950 (2025). Extending the waiver also provides stakeholders time to implement the new rules into their business models.
Under this limited waiver, the HLO will not take disciplinary action against individuals providing sign language interpretation services without a permanent board license. This waiver applies only to the act of providing interpretation services without a license. The HLO may still pursue disciplinary action for violations of any other applicable rules or statutes.
Beginning July 1, 2026, anyone providing sign language interpreting services in Oregon must hold a permanent board license to avoid enforcement action.
NOTE: The HLO issues licenses to individuals who submit a completed application, provide all required documentation, and meet the established eligibility criteria. Once an application for licensure has been submitted and a license has been issued, all fees are non-refundable. The issuance of a license constitutes the completion of the application process and fulfillment of the associated service.
Become a Qualified or Certified Sign Language Health Care Interpreter
Step 1
Meet all of the Requirements
Oregon Qualification and Certification for Sign Language Interpreters
English Version:
Sign Language HCI Requirements
Spanish Version:
Sign Language HCI Requirements
Qualified Sign Language:
Checklist
Certified Sign Language: Checklist
Step 2
Renew Sign Language HCI credentials:
Step 1
Meet all the requirements
Oregon Qualification and Certification for Sign Language Interpreters
For first time renewing qualified Sign Language HCIs, you must complete a 60-hour OHA approved health care interpreter training program, along with 24 hours of CEUs. In the health care interpreter portal, create a new application and select certified Sign Language interpreter, not qualified interpreter. You will be listed in the registry as a certified Sign Language interpreter.
For renewing certified Sign Language HCIs, you must have completed 24 hours of CEUs. Select renewal and proceed as usual.
Renewing Qualified Sign Language: Checklist
Renewing Certified Sign Language: Checklist
CEUs spreadsheet
Step 2
If you are experiencing difficulties accesing your portal account, please email us at: HCI.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Hard copy applications:
Sign Language Health Care Interpreter Application
,* (Historical Changes to HCI Application)
Health Care Interpreter Program
Equity and Inclusion Division
421 SW Oak St. Suite 750
Portland, Oregon 97204
HCI Phone Number: (971) 673-3378
Fax number is 971-673-1128.
HB 2696 Sign Language License
Limited Waiver on Enforcement Extended through June 30, 2026
The Health Licensing Office (HLO) is extending the limited waiver on enforcement through midnight June 30, 2026. This extension allows the Oregon Board of Sign Language Interpreters (Board) and Rules Advisory Committee to continue to work through the rulemaking process and draft additional rules required by SB 950 (2025). Extending the waiver also allows stakeholders time to implement rules into their business model.
Under this limited waiver, the HLO will not take disciplinary action against individuals providing sign language interpretation services without a permanent board license. The waiver applies only to the act of providing sign language interpretation without a license. The HLO can still discipline for any other rule or statute violations. Starting July 1, 2026, anyone providing sign language interpreting services in Oregon must have a permanent board license to avoid enforcement.
NOTE: The HLO issues licenses to individuals who submit a completed application, provide all required documentation, and meet the established eligibility criteria. Once an application for licensure has been submitted and a license has been issued, all fees are non-refundable. The issuance of a license constitutes completion of the application process and fulfillment of the associated service.
For more information and to stay up to date, please go to the Health Licensing Office, Board of Sign Language Interpreters
link.