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Monday, January 22, 2024
During the 2023 Legislative Session, Oregon lawmakers passed HB 2696 (2023), which created the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters (Board) under the Oregon Health Authority's Health Licensing Office (HLO). The bill requires the Board to set minimum qualifications for licensure to allow individuals to perform sign language interpreter (SLI) services in Oregon by January 1, 2024. HLO is currently issuing temporary licenses under its own authority through June 7, 2024. The Board must have permanent licensing requirements in place by June 7, 2024, to replace HLO temporary licensing requirements.
To ensure sufficient rules are in place by June 7, 2024, a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) is being convened that will develop rule recommendations to be considered by HLO and the Board prior to filing proposed rules with the Secretary of State's Office. Rule recommendations will include, but are not limited to, the following:
The HLO and the Board are seeking interested parties to serve as members of the RAC. RACs are comprised of individuals and communities with unique perspectives, subject matter expertise, and lived experience as it relates to SLI services and who are likely to be affected by the rule changes.
The Board recommended that at least half of the RAC members consist of consumers of SLI services who do not hold an SLI license, and at least one of the following be represented:
The HLO identified additional communities and groups that may be affected by the rule changes. See the interest form attached for those communities and groups.
Members can serve in multiple membership capacities. It is preferred that all members are proficient in American Sign Language.
The RAC meetings will be held at the HLO in Salem, Oregon. All RAC members are asked to attend in person; however, there will be access to the meetings through Zoom. The RAC will meet on:
Due to a short turnaround time RAC meeting dates cannot be changed. Please be sure you can attend the meeting dates listed above prior to applying to serve on the RAC? If you are interested in serving on the RAC, submit the completed Interest Form no later than February 1, 2024, by 12:00pm (noon).
Forms can be sent by email to carrie.edwards@oha.oregon.gov or mailed to the address listed on the first page c/o Carrie Edwards.
This communication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. If you have questions, you can email or call Carrie Edwards at (503) 373-1902.
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