The Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO) has extended its limited enforcement waiver for sign language interpreters (SLIs) with temporary licenses to continue providing services through June 30, 2026. This extension allows the Board of Sign Language Interpreters and the Rules Advisory Committee to complete the rulemaking required by Senate Bill 950 (2025).

Effective September 29, 2025, Senate Bill 950 builds on the 2023 licensing mandate by establishing criteria for licensing SLIs in training, authorizing licensed supervisory SLIs to oversee them, and permitting licensed out-of-state interpreters to practice in Oregon.

The waiver applies only to the act of providing services without a permanent license, though the HLO retains the authority to pursue disciplinary action for other violations. Starting July 1, 2026, a permanent license will be required to avoid enforcement action.

This waiver will allow for continuity of care during ongoing rulemaking procedures, which are intended to address access to care challenges by creating a pathway to becoming licensed.