In Oregon, the Health Licensing Office (HLO) released a FAQ to guide interpreters impacted by Senate Bill 950, which repeals medical, educational, and legal sign language interpreter licenses starting January 1, 2026. Licenses issued between June 8, 2024, and December 31, 2025, will remain valid through January 1, 2029. Generalist and Supervisory licenses are still required to provide sign language services, and HLO will update its rules by January 2026.
In Washington, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) reminds medical and vocational providers they must directly schedule sign language interpreters, regardless of whether the injured worker has an L&I or self-insured claim. L&I offers a list of authorized interpreters and agencies. Spoken interpretation services should still be requested through WordBridge.