2015 Oregon Legislative Session
The 2015 Oregon legislative is in session! What follows is a summary and status update of proposed health care related bills.
To read the full-text of a particular bill follow the links provided. Bills must pass in their chamber of origin and have a work
session scheduled in the second chamber by May 22 or perish. Bills referred to joint committees, Ways and Means, Senate
Committee on Finance and Revenue, House Committee on Revenue, Senate and House Committees on Rules are exempt from
that deadline. For more information, please send an e-mail to our Health Care attorneys, Jeff Kirtner and Andy Lewis.
Senate Bills
Linked Bill
SB 1
Summary
Status
This bill abolishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Corporation and transfers Governor signed.
its functions and duties to the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
Effective date March 6, 2015.
SB 153A
This bill enables nurse practitioners and physician assistants to obtain reimbursement Passed in the Senate and House
for primary care and mental health services using their own or a physician’s provider with amendments.
number.
Awaiting Signatures.
SB 230B
This bill expands the current law requiring certain health care workers to submit Passed in the Senate and with
demographic, education and other information to health care worker regulatory amendments.
boards to all health care workers.
Awaiting signatures.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 279
This bill designates the Oregon Medical Board as a semi-independent state agency.
Senate Committee on Health Care
recommended passage.
Referred to Ways and Means.
SB 282A
This bill prohibits an individual from using the title “nurse” unless that individual holds Passed in the Senate and House
a nursing degree or certificate and is licensed to practice the health care profession in with amendments.
which the degree or certificate was earned.
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
SB 283
This bill prohibits an individual from using the title “Advanced Practice Registered Passed in the Senate with
Nurse” or the abbreviation “APRN” unless the individual is a clinical nurse specialist, amendments.
nurse practitioner or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
House Committee on Health Care
recommended passage.
Awaiting third reading.
SB 284
This bill prohibits an individual from using the title “Certified Nursing Assistant,” Passed in the Senate and House.
“nursing assistant” or “nurse aide” or the abbreviation “CNA” unless the individual is
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
certified by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and meets certain other criteria.
SB 285
This bill prohibits an individual from using the title “medication aide” or “Certified Passed in the Senate and House.
Medication Aide” or the abbreviation “CMA” unless the individual is a certified nursing
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
assistant and meets certain other criteria established by the Oregon State Board of
Nursing.
SB 301A
This bill specifies which services to be performed by an expanded practice dental Passed in the Senate and House
hygienist must be included in an agreement between an expanded practice dental with amendments.
hygienist and the dentist.
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
SB 547A
This bill creates a nurse emeritus license to permit certain retired nurses to engage in Passed in the Senate and House
volunteer nursing.
with amendments.
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
SB 648
This bill expands the scope of the Central Oregon Health Council.
Passed in the Senate and House.
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 663A
This bill changes the governmental framework for conducting public health activities Senate Committee on Health Care
in this state and for providing public health services to residents of this state.
recommended passage with
amendments.
Referred to Senate Committee on
Finance and Revenue.
Public hearings and work sessions
held.
Work session scheduled for June 4.
SB 679
This bill creates a Medicaid Management Information System Oversight Committee to Senate Committee on Health Care
monitor progress of improvements to Oregon’s mechanized claim processing system recommended passage.
for Medicaid claims.
Referred to Ways and Means.
SB 684
This bill permits the Oregon Medical Board to issue a limited license to practice Passed in the Senate.
medicine to a physician licensed in another state or country who holds a full-time
Referred to House Committee on
professor appointment at a school of medicine in Oregon.
Health Care.
Public hearing and work sessions
held.
SB 701A
This bill modifies the process for independent medical examinations of injured Senate Committee on Workforce
workers to provide for random selection of qualified physicians to conduct recommended amended bill be
independent medical examinations in workers’ compensation cases.
referred to Ways and Means without
recommendation as to passage.
Referred to Ways and Means.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 832A
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to provide grants for integrating mental
health and physical health services to coordinated care organizations that meet
standards prescribed by the OHA, and prohibits CCOs from restricting access to
mental health services.
Senate Committee on Human
Services and Early Childhood
recommended passage with
amendments.
Referred to Rules.
Work sessions held.
SB 833
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to give coordinated care organizations Passed in the Senate.
at least 30 days’ advance notice of proposed amendments to contracts.
Referred to House Committee on
Health Care.
Public hearing and work session
held.
SB 841A
This bill modifies the requirements for health plan coverage of prescription drugs Senate Committee on Health Care
dispensed in accordance with synchronization policy.
recommended passage with
amendments.
Referred to Ways and Means.
SB 845A
This bill imposes a penalty on large employers whose employees receive health care Senate Committee on Workforce
coverage through medical assistance program as an incentive to provide private recommended passage with
coverage to those employees.
amendments.
Referred to Ways and Means.
SB 874A
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to provide or contract for the provision Passed in the Senate with
of training on adrenal insufficiency for EMS personnel and RNs.
amendments.
House Committee on Health Care
recommended passage.
Awaiting third reading.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 880
SB 900A
This bill exempts for-profit and nonprofit business entities (if they provide only
palliative care or operate a rural health clinic) from the requirement that licensed
physicians hold a majority of voting stock in the professional corporation organized
for the purpose of practicing medicine, or that they constitute a majority of directors of
the professional corporation.
Passed in the Senate.
Referred to House Committee on
Health Care.
Public hearing held.
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to be responsible for posting to its Senate Committee on Health Care
website health care price data for in-patient and out-patient hospital services.
recommended passage with
amendments.
Referred to Ways and Means.
SB 901A
This bill requires an insurer to directly reimburse providers for medical, surgical and Passed in the Senate with
nursing services provided to an insured.
amendments.
House Committee on Health Care
recommended passage with
amendments.
Awaiting third reading.
SB 905A
This bill adds one physician assistant to the Oregon Medical Board.
Passed in the Senate and House
with amendments.
Awaiting enrollment.
SJM 4
This bill urges Congress to enact legislation to update 42 C.F.R. Part 2 to allow Carried in the Senate and House.
health care providers for same patient to share treatment information while
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality and protections against disclosure.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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House Bills
Linked Bill
HB 2028A
Summary
Status
This bill permits a pharmacist to engage in the practice of clinical pharmacy and Passed in the House and Senate
provide patient care services to patients.
with amendments.
Awaiting signatures.
HB 2203
HB 2300A
This bill modifies the duties of the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Corporation Referred to Joint Committee on
and authorizes the use of federal technology for the health insurance exchange.
Health Insurance Transition.
This bill creates the method by which a health care practitioner may offer to treat a Passed in the House with
patient who has a terminal disease with a drug or device not approved by the FDA. amendments.
(See SB 543).
Referred to Senate Committee on
Health Care.
Public hearing and work session
held.
HB 2302A
This bill modifies the definition of “prepaid managed care health services House Committee on Health Care
organization.”
recommended amended bill be
referred to Ways and Means without
recommendation as to passage. .
Referred to Ways and Means,
subcommittee on Human Services.
HB 2307A
HB 2395
This bill prohibits mental health care professionals and social health professionals Governor signed.
from providing any service to a person under 18 years of age for the purpose of
Effective date May 18, 2015.
attempting to change the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
This bill provides healthcare funding over the next two budget cycles.
Governor signed.
Effective date March 23, 2015.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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HB 2466A
This bill modifies the requirements for health benefit plans consistent with federal law.
Passed in the House with
amendments.
Referred to Senate Committee on
Health Care.
Public hearing and work session
held.
HB 2468A
This bill specifies the requirements for the scope of an insurer’s network of providers.
Governor signed.
Effective date January 1, 2016.
HB 2546B
This bill defines “inhalant delivery system,” and amends laws concerning sale of Governor signed.
tobacco products to, and use of tobacco products by, minors so those laws equally
Effective date May 26.
apply to inhalant delivery systems.
HB 2551A
This bill requires covered entities to report annually on system safeguards for Governor signed.
protecting the confidentiality of individually identifiable health information.
Effective date January 1, 2016.
HB 2560A
This bill requires a health benefit plan to cover the cost of a colonoscopy for an Governor signed.
insured who is 50 years of age or older and who has a positive fecal immunochemical
Effective date January 1, 2016.
test result.
HB 2696A
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to collaborate with coordinated care Passed in the House with
organizations to develop uniform audit processes and forms to be used by the amendments.
Authority and contractors of the Authority.
Referred to Senate Committee on
Health Care.
Public hearing and work session
held.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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HB 2758A
This bill prohibits a carrier or third-party administrator from disclosing to persons, Passed in the House with
other than the enrollee who receives sensitive services, information relating to amendments.
sensitive services provided to the enrollee.
Senate Committee on Health Care
recommended passage with
additional amendments.
Awaiting second reading.
HB 2877
This bill requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to contract with a House Committee on Health Care
private entity to evaluate progress of coordinated care organizations in achieving recommended bill be referred to
goals of the Legislative Assembly.
Rules without recommendation as to
passage.
Referred to Rules.
HB 2930
HB 2934A
This bill requires hospitals to adopt rules granting admitting privileges to licensed, Governor signed.
certified nurse midwife nurse practitioners.
Effective date January 1, 2016.
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to submit a blueprint for basic health Passed in the House and Senate
plan to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by December 31, 2015.
with amendments.
Awaiting Governor’s signature.
HB 3100A
This bill changes the governmental framework for conducting public health activities House Committee on Health Care
in Oregon and for providing public health services to residents of Oregon.
recommended passage with
amendments.
Referred to Ways and Means.
HB 3132
This bill expands the definition of “hospital facility” to include behavioral treatment Governor signed.
facilities and family safety facilities in regard to local public authorities created to
Effective date January 1, 2016.
finance hospital facilities.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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HB 3145
This bill requires private pay home care workers registered with the Home Care House Committee on Health Care
Commission to be subject to at least same standards as licensed in-home care recommended referral to Ways and
agencies.
Means without recommendation as
to passage.
Referred to Ways and Means.
HB 3343A
This bill requires a medical assistance program to include 12 months of coverage for Passed in the House and Senate
prescription contraceptives under specified conditions.
with amendments.
Awaiting signatures.
HB 3427A
This bill prohibits insurers from reducing reimbursement paid to health care providers House Committee on Health Care
by more than five percent for more than two consecutive years, and prohibits further recommended passage with
reductions without approval of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
amendments and referral to Ways
and Means.
Referred to Ways and Means.
Dead Bills
Linked Bill
Summary
Status
SB 108
This bill prohibits abortions performed during the third trimester of pregnancy if the Referred to Judiciary.
abortion is undertaken solely because of the unborn child’s known or suspected sex.
This bill did not make it out of the
Senate.
SB 193
This bill gives a health care provider more flexibility in dealing with alternate health Referred to Judiciary.
care representatives, and expands the types of advance directive forms that can be
This bill did not make it out of the
used.
Senate.
SB 309
This bill prohibits discrimination based on age, expected length of life, present or Referred to Health Care.
predicted disability, degree of medical dependency or quality of life in the issuance of
This bill did not make it out of the
health benefit plans and in the determination of medical services covered by state
Senate.
medical assistance programs.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 310
This bill expands the definition of “public body” subject to the public meetings law to Referred to Health Care.
include coordinated care organizations.
This bill did not make it out of the
Senate.
SB 442
This bill requires the submission of documentation to school administrators for the Referred to Health Care.
purposes of declining immunizations verifying that the parent has reviewed the risks
This bill did not make it out of the
and benefits of immunization, or a certificate verifying that the parent has completed
Senate.
a vaccine educational module.
SB 543
This bill creates a method by which a health care practitioner may offer to treat a Referred to Health Care.
patient who has a terminal disease with a drug, biological product or device not
This bill did not make it out of the
approved by the FDA. (See HB 2300).
Senate.
SB 631
This bill establishes the Health Care for All Oregon Board to develop, implement and Referred to Health Care.
oversee the Health Care for All Oregon Plan to be administered by the Oregon Health
Information hearing held May 4.
Authority.
This bill did not make it out of the
Senate.
SB 661
This bill requires a health benefit plan that covers opioid analgesic drug products to Referred to Health Care.
cover abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic drug products, at no greater cost to the
This bill did not make it out of the
insured than other preferred drugs under the plan, and specifies other requirements
Senate.
regarding coverage.
SB 673
This bill permits licensed dentists, like physicians, to administer certain immunizations Referred to Health Care.
against restrictable diseases.
This bill did not make it out of the
Senate.
SB 678
This bill requires those CCOs without contracts with a hospital (to provide in-patient Referred to Health Care.
and out-patient hospital services) to reimburse the hospital at the rate approved by
This bill did not make it out of the
the OHA.
Senate.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 731
This bill establishes that decisions related to immunizations are personal health care Referred to Workforce.
decisions and that immunizations may not be mandated as a condition of
This bill did not make it out of the
employment unless required by federal law.
Senate.
SB 766
This bill prohibits health care providers from denying patient health care necessary to Referred to Health Care.
prevent death (if the care is directed by the patient) on the basis that the patient’s
This bill did not make it out of the
quality of life will be of lower value, or because the health care provider disagrees
Senate.
with the patient’s own assessment of the value of extending the patient’s life as
opposed to the risk of disability.
SB 831
This bill requires coordinated care organizations to employ or contract with clinical Referred to Human Services and
mental health professionals to provide mental health care and treatment to members Early Childhood.
of organization.
This bill did not make it out of the
Senate.
SB 835
This bill requires hospital emergency departments to refer for primary care any Referred to Health Care.
person who presents at the emergency department but does not have a condition
This bill did not make it out of the
requiring emergency medical services.
Senate.
SB 862
This bill requires the governing body of a coordinated care organization to include a Referred to Health Care.
representative from at least one dental care organization that contracts with the
This bill did not make it out of the
coordinated care organization.
Senate.
SB 891
This bill requires health care facilities to publish, in the manner prescribed by the Referred to Health Care.
Oregon Health Authority, price data regarding health care services offered.
This bill did not make it out of the
Senate.
SB 892
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to adopt procedures to help Referred to Health Care.
coordinated care organizations assist members of the organization with the member’s
This bill did not make it out of the
renewal of eligibility for medical assistance.
Senate.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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SB 894
This bill requires health insurance policies or certificates that include prescription drug Referred to Health Care.
benefits, health benefit plans and the state medical assistance program to cover
This bill did not make it out of the
costs of certain contraceptive, abortion, and pre- and post-partum drugs and
Senate.
services.
HB 2032
This bill prohibits an employer or insurer from requiring an injured worker to obtain Referred to Business and Labor.
nonemergency medical services from a specific provider.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 2295
This bill provides for licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants.
Referred to Health Care.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 2308
This bill clarifies the definition of “independent practice” for purposes of insurance Referred to Health Care.
reimbursement for services provided by a licensed physician assistant or certified
This bill did not make it out of the
nurse practitioner.
House.
HB 2523
This bill modifies treatment limits for certain chiropractic and naturopathic physicians Referred to Health Care.
who provide medical services to injured workers through a managed care
This bill did not make it out of the
organization.
House.
HB 2558
This bill directs the State Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules making nicotine a Referred to Health Care.
Schedule III controlled substance.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 2647
This bill enacts the Privacy Expectation Afterlife and Choices Act.
Referred to Judiciary.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 2697
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to adopt consistent, uniform policies Referred to Health Care.
and procedures for the provision and reimbursement of mental and physical health
This bill did not make it out of the
services in medical assistance programs.
House.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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HB 2784
This bill requires the Director and managers of the Department of Consumer and Referred to Health Care.
Business Services, the Executive Director and managers of the Oregon Health
This bill did not make it out of the
Insurance Exchange Corporation, and statewide elected officials who elect to obtain
House.
health insurance provided by the state, to select a health benefit plan offered through
the health insurance exchange.
HB 2918
This bill defines “vapor products.” It amends laws related to the use of tobacco Referred to Health Care.
products by minors to include the use of vapor products by minors, including the
This bill did not make it out of the
crime of endangering the welfare of minor and other criminal offenses and civil
House.
penalties related to the use or acquisition of tobacco products by a minor.
HB 2935
This bill requires the governing body of a coordinated care organization to include a Referred to Health Care.
representative from at least one dental care organization that contracts with the
This bill did not make it out of the
coordinated care organization.
House.
HB 2951
This bill requires policies and certificates of health insurance that offer prescription Referred to Health Care.
drug coverage to meet specified cost-sharing requirements.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 2986
This bill prohibits the performance of late-term sex-selective abortion.
Referred to Health Care.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 3163
This bill prohibits a prescription drug benefit program and health benefit plan from Referred to Health Care.
providing for reimbursement of a prescription drug dispensed by a mail order
This bill did not make it out of the
pharmacy if the prescription drug benefit program or health benefit plan does not
House.
provide for reimbursement of an equivalent quantity or of the prescription drug when
the prescription drug is dispensed by a community pharmacy.
HB 3194
This bill requires insurers to accept third-party payments for health insurance Referred to Health Care.
premiums.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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HB 3200
This bill prohibits health care providers and health insurers from denying patient Referred to Health Care.
health care or reimbursement of costs of health care necessary to prevent death
This bill did not make it out of the
based on advanced age.
House.
HB 3241
This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to establish standards to permit a Referred to Health Care.
primary care provider in a patient-centered primary care home to refer patients to an
This bill did not make it out of the
available mental health provider within the same patient-centered primary care home.
House.
HB 3275
This bill provides that a plaintiff may not recover more than $250,000 in punitive Referred to Health Care.
damages in a civil action against a health practitioner for acts or omissions that are
This bill did not make it out of the
within the scope of license, registration or certificate held by the health practitioner.
House.
HB 3285
This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to study the effectiveness of replacing Referred to Judiciary.
the current tort system with an administrative system for compensating patient
This bill did not make it out of the
injuries.
House.
HB 3289
This bill provides that a physician is the agent of the Oregon Health Authority under Referred to Judiciary.
Oregon Tort Claims Act for purposes of medical services provided to a person
This bill did not make it out of the
enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.
House.
HB 3337
This bill modifies the definition of “terminal disease” in the Oregon Death With Dignity Referred to Health Care.
Act.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 3349
This bill requires hospitals and emergency departments to maintain written charity Referred to Health Care.
care policies meeting specified requirements.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 3352
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to provide for specified drug and Referred to Health Care.
alcohol treatment programs.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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HB 3432
This bill prohibits a vision-only insurance policy from providing coverage for only Referred to Health Care.
those services provided by a specified network of vision care providers.
This bill did not make it out of the
House.
HB 3456
This bill requires a health benefit plan to reimburse the cost of care provided by a Referred to Health Care.
licensed midwife at a freestanding birthing center if the care would be reimbursed if
This bill did not make it out of the
provided by a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner in a hospital setting.
House.
This summary provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.
If you have specific legal questions, you are urged to consult with your attorney concerning your own situation.
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