Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Generalist Sign Language Interpreter - License Information

Generalist Sign Language Interpreter Temporary License Information

As of June 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., all sign language interpreter temporary licenses become invalid. There is no extension or reapplication for the HLO temporary license.

Generalist Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License Information

Effective June 8, 2024, the HLO will begin issuing permanent licenses. Anyone who does not want to work under the limited waiver on enforcement and who chooses to obtain a board permanent license must complete a new application and pay the required application and license fees. Applications for permanent licensure are available under the "Forms" header below.

An individual who qualifies for a permanent license and pays the required application and licensing fees may provide sign language interpreting services as soon as HLO grants the person the permanent license. The permanent license is valid for one year. An individual meeting the renewal requirements can renew the permanent license.

Please note:

• There is only one primary staff member who will be processing the initial influx of hundreds of SLI applications. This staff member needs to ensure the applicant is qualified, proper identification has been received, proper supporting documentation has been received, the application is accurately entered and processed in our licensing database, and fees are transacted correctly. This means it may take several weeks for HLO to process your application and mail your license to you. Whereas the following online database, which can be found on HLO's website, shows license status in real time: https://elite.hlo.state.or.us/OHLOPublicR/LPRBrowser.aspx. You can check this link on a regular basis to see if your license has been processed, but again, please allow several weeks for the HLO to process all applications.
• The HLO has extended the limited waiver on enforcement through December 31, 2024. This means that the HLO will not take action against a person on the narrow basis that the person provides sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license prior to January 1, 2025. The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes.
• Holding a temporary license does not guarantee that an individual will be granted a permanent license.
• The state legislature limited the number of times certain licenses can be renewed.
  

Generalist Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License Description

OAR 816-025-0020
Sign Language Interpreter Generalist License

(1) A SLI generalist license holder:

(a) May provide SLI services.

(b) May supervise SLI provisional license holders until July 1, 2030.

(c) May provide SLI services in an educational setting.

(d) May not provide SLI services in a medical setting unless the person holds a license under ORS 676.765 and OAR 816-025-0060.

(e) May not provide SLI services in a legal setting unless the person holds a license under ORS 676.768 and OAR 816-025-0080.

(2) A SLI generalist license is current for one year and becomes inactive on the last day of the month one year from the date of issuance.

(3) A SLI generalist license may be renewed twice.

(4) The issuance or the licensee's holding of a SLI generalist license does not supersede, replace, or negate the need for the licensee to comply with other laws requiring licensure or registration or competent SLI services.

How to Apply - Application Requirements for the Generalist Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License

• Meet the requirements of Oregon Administrative Rule, Chapter 331, Division 30.
  
• Submit a completed application (see applications under the "Forms" header below). Applications for permanent licensure are available under the "Forms" header below.
  
• Submit two forms of original identification issued by a government agency. Acceptable identification options can be found under Oregon Administrative Rule, Chapter 331, Division 30.
• Submit proof of being at least 18 years of age.
  
• Attest to being in compliance with the 2005 NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. 
  
• Submit proof of holding a credential or having achieved an examination or assessment score from the list provided under "Application Requirements" on the Generalist Sign Language Interpreter License Application.
  

Fees

The individual applications will show the amount due for both the application fee and the license fee.

Forms