Sign Language Interpreters

News and Updates

HB 2696 Sign Language License

Temporary License Communcation

Limited Waiver on Enforcement Extended Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Since the Board was not permitted to meet until on or after January 1, 2024, the same day House Bill 2696 (2023) required sign language interpreters to be licensed to practice in Oregon, the Health Licensing Office (HLO) is exercising its discretion and will not impose discipline for practicing without a license on any sign language interpreters who obtain a license before December 31, 2024 (previously June 8, 2024). The limited waiver on enforcement began on January 1, 2024, and now ends on December 31, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. The limited waiver of enforcement is narrow; the waiver only applies to the singular issue of providing sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license. The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes.

For more information and to stay up to date, please go to the Health Licensing Office, Board of Sign Language Interpreters link.

For the latest HLO news, you may also go to the HLO news page.

A synopsis of the framework of the bill and the developmental process for licensure requirements can be found in this informational video: November 2023 Licensure Update. For more information about the framework and process of passing the bill, as well as an ASL version of the bill visit: https://www.orid.org/oregon-licensure.