Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Oregon Heath Authority (OHA) study how much money local mental health programs need to comply with state laws.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Oregon Health Authority to conduct a study to determine the funding required for communities’ mental health programs (Sec .1). 

• Requires authorities to compile a report of their findings about the costs of providing service and performing functions for individual switch behavioral health disorders (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes that the Oregon Health Authority shall contract with the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health to create a group of behavioral health representatives to conduct a study (Sec. 1). 

• Defines the criteria needed to be established within the study (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes the members of the group conducting the study who are not employed by a state agency, county government, or city government to be entitled to a stipend and get reimbursement for travel and other expenses (Sec. 2). 

• Requires that no later than December 15, 2025, the group shall submit a final report of their findings (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes the General Fund amount of $255,000 which shall be paid to the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health for hiring the consultants (Sec. 6). 

• Specifies the cost increase, notwithstanding any other provision of law for the General Fund appropriation made to the Oregon Health Authority for the biennium ending on June 30, 2025 (Sec. 10). 

Full Bill Text