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OregonSB 15472026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relating to licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioners; and prescribing an effective date.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

New privacy for talks with BHWP

Beginning January 1, 2027, your talks with a licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioner during noninvestigatory care are confidential in court. The privilege does not apply if you or your guardian agree to share, if you sue the board or practitioner, if you state an intent to commit a crime or harm, or if the talk shows a minor may be a victim of crime, abuse, or neglect.

More Medicaid behavioral health providers

Beginning January 1, 2027, licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioners count as behavioral health clinicians under Medicaid rules. They can do assessments and provide covered services. This can increase access to care and who can bill Medicaid.

More abuse reporters to protect families

Beginning January 1, 2027, these practitioners become mandatory reporters for child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse of adults receiving services. They are also added to the list tied to aggravated animal abuse. This expands who must report and helps protect kids, seniors, and adults getting care.

Employers must pay supervision costs

Beginning January 1, 2027, employers that use listed supervisors must pay all supervision costs when the supervisor is a licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioner. Employers must cover costs for both the supervisor and the supervisee.

New license for behavioral health workers

Beginning January 1, 2027, people can apply for a new license as a licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioner. You need a bachelor’s degree, a board‑approved program with at least 700 supervised hours, any required training and exams, and you must pay a fee. You must work under direct supervision of specified professionals. You may not diagnose or independently treat disorders, give or score certain tests, or evaluate drug effects. Only licensed people may use this title. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must apply as new; two years or less, you can seek relicensing under board rules and a fee.

Oregon shields providers for lawful care

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board cannot discipline or deny a license based only on an out‑of‑state case tied solely to providing reproductive or gender‑affirming care that is legal in Oregon and meets Oregon’s standard of care. This protects providers who offer lawful care.

Conversion therapy ban applies to new license

Beginning January 1, 2027, licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioners may not provide conversion therapy to anyone under 18. Licensing boards can discipline practitioners who do.

Privacy rules cover BHWP records

Beginning January 1, 2027, licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioners are legally counted as health care providers under Oregon privacy law. This changes how their records are protected and shared.

Most changes start January 1, 2027

This law takes effect 91 days after the 2026 legislative session ends. The changes to reporting, privacy, Medicaid, and professional statutes take effect January 1, 2027. Agencies and the Board may write rules and prepare before that date so they are ready on January 1, 2027.

Stronger oversight for behavioral health licensees

The Board investigates complaints, offers hearings, and must decide within 30 days after a hearing. The Board keeps jurisdiction even if a license lapses or is surrendered. It can license, set rules and education, require fingerprints, subpoena, and adopt codes of conduct. It can reprimand, place on probation, suspend or revoke, and fine up to $2,500, or $5,000 in serious cases. Information given to the Board is confidential, and good‑faith reporters are immune from civil damages. The Board keeps a public register and deposits fees into its account to run these programs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 92 • No: 4

House vote • 2/25/2026

Third reading. Carried by Isadore. Passed.

Yes: 52 • No: 2

House vote • 2/19/2026

Behavioral Health: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/11/2026

Third reading. Carried by Reynolds. Passed.

Yes: 27 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Early Childhood and Behavioral Health: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date, June 5, 2026.

    3/17/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 26, 2026 Laws.

    3/17/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/5/2026Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    2/27/2026House

  5. President signed.

    2/27/2026Senate

  6. Third reading. Carried by Isadore. Passed.

    2/25/2026House

  7. Second reading.

    2/24/2026House

  8. Recommendation: Do pass.

    2/20/2026House

  9. Public Hearing and Work Session held.

    2/19/2026House

  10. Public Hearing cancelled.

    2/17/2026House

  11. Referred to Behavioral Health.

    2/11/2026House

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

    2/11/2026House

  13. Third reading. Carried by Reynolds. Passed.

    2/11/2026Senate

  14. Second reading.

    2/10/2026Senate

  15. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)

    2/9/2026Senate

  16. Public Hearing and Work Session held.

    2/5/2026Senate

  17. Referred to Early Childhood and Behavioral Health.

    2/2/2026Senate

  18. Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    2/26/2026

    PDF

  • A-Engrossed

    2/9/2026

    PDF

  • Senate Amendments to Introduced

    2/9/2026

    PDF

  • SECBH Amendment -1 (Adopted)

    2/5/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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