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Friday, June 7, 2024
Board of Sign Language Interpreters: HB 2696 (2023)
During the 2023 Legislative Session, House Bill 2696 (2023) was enacted, establishing the Board of Sign Language Interpreters (Board) under the Health Licensing Office (HLO). The bill required all individuals not covered by an exception who perform “sign language interpretation services" to be licensed on January 1, 2024, and required the Board to determine the minimum qualifications for each license type. Due to the operative date listed in the bill, the Board was unable to begin meeting until after January 1, 2024, and therefore was unable to set licensing requirements and adopt rules. To bridge the gap between January 1, 2024, and when the Board establishes minimum licensure requirements and adopts permanent rules, the HLO issued temporary licenses valid through June 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. After June 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., the HLO-issued temporary licenses are no longer valid.
Board Permanent Rules: Effective June 8, 2024
The Board adopted permanent administrative rules, and those rules are effective June 8, 2024, setting minimum licensing requirements.
Applying for Licensure
When applying for a permanent license, be sure to thoroughly complete the appropriate application and follow the directions on how HLO will accept applications, identification, supporting documentation, and fees.
Be advised that the qualification requirements for a permanent license may be different than the qualification requirements for a temporary license. Holding a temporary license does not guarantee that an individual will be granted a permanent license.
Please note: There may be a delay of several weeks before an applicant receives a permanent license in the mail. This is because there is only one primary staff member who will be processing the initial influx of applications. HLO is responsible for ensuring each application is processed accurately, including entering information into the HLO licensing database and transacting fees. To review the status of a license in real time, visit the HLO Public Record Search page.
Ongoing Rulemaking
The Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) is continuing to meet to develop rules that align with the SLI professional standards and minimum qualifications. The RAC is scheduled to meet on:
Additional RACs will be scheduled as needed. The Board will be provided a RAC progress report on August 7 and October 30, 2024, to assess the development of rules and determine if further RACs are needed.
Meetings
The meeting notice and agenda will be published prior to each public meeting. Please visit the HLO Public Meetings webpage for current meeting information.
How to Contact Us
Board meeting questions:
Josh Page: josh.page@oha.oregon.gov or (503) 934-0720
Board member recruitment questions:
Derek Fultz: derek.j.fultz@oha.oregon.gov or (503) 373-1915
Licensing and qualification questions:
Michael Brennen: michael.a.brennan@oha.oregon.gov or (503) 373-1986
Regulatory or complaint questions:
Trampus Schuck: trampus.schuck@oha.oregon.gov or (503) 373-1950
Administrative rule questions:
Samie Patnode: samie.patnode@oha.oregon.gov or (503) 373-1917
This communication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact Josh Page at josh.page@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 373-1902; or Derek Fultz at derek.j.fultz@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 373-1915. All relay calls are accepted.
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