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OregonHB 41152026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to health care providers; and prescribing an effective date.

Sponsored By: Anna Scharf (Republican), Hai Pham (Democratic), Nancy Nathanson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Less repeat paperwork for behavioral providers

Coordinated care organizations cannot require a new credentialing application solely because a credentialed behavioral health provider changes employers. This protection applies when the provider starts working for a new agency. Other credentialing requirements still apply.

Longer, portable checks for care workers

The law takes effect on the 91st day after Oregon’s 2026 regular legislative session ends. Covered state criminal-records checks completed on or after that date are valid for three years. Earlier checks remain allowed for credible evidence of a new conviction or substantiated abuse or neglect. Other exceptions include federal requirements, changed duties, or an agency rule finding that waiting would be burdensome. Home health and in-home care agency checks for workers with direct patient or client contact also last three years, unless Oregon Health Authority rules set another period. State agencies cannot require another valid check solely because a worker changes employers or covered care settings. The agencies must publish how workers can transfer valid checks.

Backdated payments for behavioral health providers

Coordinated care organizations must pay qualifying behavioral health providers for services provided to their members. Payment reaches back to the date the provider submitted an Oregon Health Authority application for state medical assistance enrollment. That application must result in a provider identification number. The provider must work for an agency that contracts with the coordinated care organization. The law sets no payment amount.

Narrower screening coverage at state facilities

The law excludes some secure residential treatment facilities from its residential-facility definition for background screening. The exclusion covers facilities on an Oregon State Hospital campus or otherwise operated by the state. Rules tied specifically to that definition no longer cover these facilities on that basis. This does not waive all background-check requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Anna Scharf

    Republican • House

  • Hai Pham

    Democratic • House

  • Nancy Nathanson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Cyrus Javadi

    Democratic • House

  • Darin Harbick

    Republican • House

  • Jules Walters

    Democratic • House

  • Lamar Wise

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Gamba

    Democratic • House

  • Sara Gelser Blouin

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sue Rieke Smith

    Democratic • House

  • Tom Andersen

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 95 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Third reading. Carried by Gelser Blouin. Passed.

Yes: 22 • No: 8

House vote • 2/27/2026

Third reading. Carried by Nathanson. Passed.

Yes: 42 • No: 0

legislature vote • 2/25/2026

Ways and Means: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 23 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

Behavioral Health: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 59, (2026 Laws): Effective date June 5, 2026.

    4/6/2026House

  2. Governor signed.

    3/31/2026House

  3. President signed.

    3/6/2026Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026House

  5. Third reading. Carried by Gelser Blouin. Passed.

    3/4/2026Senate

  6. Second reading.

    3/3/2026Senate

  7. Recommendation: Do pass the A-Eng. bill.

    3/3/2026Senate

  8. Referred to Ways and Means.

    3/2/2026Senate

  9. First reading. Referred to President's desk.

    3/2/2026Senate

  10. Third reading. Carried by Nathanson. Passed.

    2/27/2026House

  11. Second reading.

    2/26/2026House

  12. Recommendation: Do pass.

    2/25/2026House

  13. Work Session held.

    2/25/2026House

  14. Returned to Full Committee.

    2/23/2026House

  15. Work Session held.

    2/23/2026House

  16. Assigned to Subcommittee On Human Services.

    2/19/2026House

  17. Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

    2/16/2026House

  18. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

    2/16/2026House

  19. Work Session held.

    2/12/2026House

  20. Public Hearing held.

    2/3/2026House

  21. Referred to Behavioral Health with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

    2/2/2026House

  22. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • HBH Amendment -3 (Adopted)

    2/12/2026

    PDF

  • HBH Amendment -1 (Proposed)

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • HBH Amendment -2 (Proposed)

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • HBH Amendment -1 (Proposed)

    2/3/2026

    PDF

  • A-Engrossed

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    PDF

  • House Amendments to Introduced

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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