HLO News Details

Board of Sign Language Interpreters– Licensing Update

Temporary Pause for License Applications and License Renewals Continues...

The Board of Sign Language Interpreters (Board) met on February 4, 2026, to review, consider and possibly adopt temporary rules. However, the Board decided to wait until the two vacant Board member positions were filled and additional public comment could be received. The two vacant positions are members who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing and who represent an association in this state that promotes and protects the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. The Board is scheduled to meet on March 11, 2026, if the two vacant positions are filled. If the Board meets on March 11, 2026, they will determine if adoption or approval of rules is appropriate.

The Board will remain in a temporary pause and NOT accept sign language interpreter license applications and license renewals until the Board is able to meet, adopt temporary rules, and establish a fee structure.

For questions, please contact Samie Patnode at samie.patnode@oha.oregon.gov.

If you need this email in another format, please contact Josh Page at (503) 934-0720 or josh.page@oha.oregon.gov, or Krissy Pickett at (503) 378-2093 or krissy.pickett@oha.oregon.gov. All relay calls are accepted.