OR SB608

Department of Human Services must establish an Exceptional Home Care Worker Certification program by July 1, 2026, providing training and support for workers caring for individuals with complex behavioral health needs, with certified workers eligible for higher payment rates

Oregon Department of Administrative Services must study feasibility of a new classification and payment rate for case managers serving seniors and persons with physical disabilities who have acute behavioral health needs, with report due September 15, 2026

DHS and Oregon Health Authority must jointly study funding pathways (including federal 1915(i) state plan amendment) for behavioral health services to seniors and persons with disabilities, develop a shared functional needs assessment tool, and identify how to incorporate housing benefit eligibility into the ONE system

DHS must develop a data-driven argument for expanding service priority levels for medical assistance eligibility for seniors and persons with physical disabilities, with report due September 15, 2026

Study requirement sections automatically repeal on January 2, 2027