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Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Blog

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Update on Sign Language Interpreter Licensing and Rulemaking Activities

​​The Health Licensing Office (HLO) is providing this update regarding implementation of ongoing rulemaking activities related to sign language interpreter licensing in Oregon including upcoming opportunities for public participation in the rulemaking process. Additional information includes an update to extend the limited waiver on enforcement, and frequently asked questions related to changes to existing license types.

Upcoming HLO Closures and Delays

Mark your calendar:
The Health Licensing Office (HLO) will be closed or have delayed openings on the following days:

  • Thursday, July 2, 2026: Lobby will be closed. No walk-in service or testing available this day.
  • Friday, July 3, 2026: Office will be closed for Independence Day
  • Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Late opening. Lobby will open at 10 a.m.
  • Friday, August 28, 2026: Lobby will be closed. No walk-in service or testing available this day.
  • Monday, September 7, 2026: Office will be closed for Labor Day​

Examinations will not be offered, and licenses will not be issued on these days with the exception of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with the office opening at 10 a.m. for all services.

Our Regular office hours are:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Testing hours are:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For examination and licensing questions, call (503) 378-8667. You can also email hlo.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Many of your questions can be answered by consulting our website at www.oregon.gov/o​ha/ph/hlo​.

Board of Sign Language Interpreters Meeting

The Board of Sign Language Interpreters has a meeting scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Information on how the public may attend the meeting is listed in the notice (when posted). The notice and the agenda can be found at:  https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Public-Meetings.aspx. The agenda is subject to change.

Please note: If the requisite number of sign language interpreters have not confirmed availability and attendance within 48 hours of the meeting, then the meeting will be canceled.​

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.​

ASL Translated FAQs for Educational, Legal and Medical Sign Language Interpreter Licenses

​The Health Licensing Office (HLO) has had the Board of Sign Language Interpreters’ (SLI) Educational, Legal, and Medical Licenses Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) translated into American Sign Language (ASL) videos, which are now available on the HLO YouTube channel. The links are as follows:

Sign Language Interpreter Educational License - FAQ

​During the 2025 Legislative Session, SB 950 (2025) was passed and signed into law by the Governor on May 28, 2025. The new law repeals the sign language interpreter (SLI) educational license, effective January 1, 2026. However, any SLI educational license issued between June 8, 2024, and December 31, 2025, will remain valid through January 1, 2029, allowing SLI educational license holders three additional years to practice.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the SLI educational license will no longer be issued or renewed due to SB 950 (2025), which repeals this license type.

The Health Licensing Office (HLO) has provided a FAQ to help understand how the current law aligns with SB 950 (2025).​

FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Education​al License​​

Sign Language Interpreter Legal and Medical Licenses - FAQ

During the 2025 Legislative Session, SB 950 (2025) was passed and signed into law by the Governor on May 28, 2025. The new law repeals the sign language interpreter (SLI) legal and medical licenses, effective January 1, 2026. However, any SLI legal or medical licenses issued between June 8, 2024, and December 31, 2025, will remain valid until January 1, 2029, allowing SLI legal and medical license holders three additional years to practice.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the SLI legal and medical licenses will no longer be issued or renewed due to SB 950 (2025), which repeals both license types.

The Health Licensing Office (HLO) has provided a FAQ to help understand how the current law aligns with SB 950 (2025).

FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Legal License

FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Medical License​​

 

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