The Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO) has confirmed that the temporary pause on license applications and renewals for the Board of Sign Language Interpreters (SLI) remains in effect.

The pause follows the enactment of Senate Bill 950 (2025), which requires the Board to adopt administrative rules establishing licensing and renewal fees, along with other regulatory provisions. Progress on rulemaking was delayed following a Board member’s resignation during the October 2025 meeting, leading to cancellations and further delays.

At its February 4, 2026 meeting, the Board reviewed draft temporary rules but deferred action until all Board positions are filled and additional public input can be considered. Two positions remain vacant, and the Board emphasized that full representation is necessary to ensure informed decision-making and public confidence.

Until temporary rules and a fee structure are formally adopted, the Board will not accept new applications or renewals. The next meeting will be scheduled once all Board positions are filled. HLO acknowledged the impact this will have on interpreters and the communities they serve and will provide updates as they become available.

Prolonged licensure pauses risk reducing interpreter availability and disrupting access to care.