OR HB2015

Oregon Health Authority must study alternatives to current nurse staffing requirements in secure residential treatment facilities to address workforce challenges while maintaining safety

OHA must assess all federally-permitted reimbursement methodologies for behavioral health facilities, considering staffing costs, professional wages, incentives for holding rooms during resident absences, and encouraging larger program capacity

OHA must evaluate alternative models to the current Home and Community-Based Services waiver for administering Medicaid residential behavioral health services, including options for higher reimbursement rates, discharge processes for non-participating residents, and appeal processes

OHA required to adopt rules establishing a separate licensing process for transition aged youth residential treatment homes (ages 17.5-25) and supporting early transition planning for residents

Appropriates $1,287,329 in General Fund and $977,888 in federal funds for the 2025-2027 biennium; provisions expire January 2, 2027, with reports due September 15, 2025 (interim) and September 15, 2026 (final)