Healthcare

Adds new requirements for obtaining an initial license to operate and maintain a hospice program. [ Requires a hospice program to apply for a new initial license after a change in ownership. ] Prohibits individuals who have been excluded from participation in Medicare or Medicaid or have been found liable for fraud or abuse from holding an ownership interest in a hospice program. Requires the Oregon Health Authority to complete rulemaking within 24 months. Subject to exceptions, prohibits the authority from issuing new hospice licenses until rulemaking is complete. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Expands the definition of "debilitating medical condition" for the medical use of marijuana. Requires an organization or residential facility that is designated as an additional caregiver for a medical marijuana cardholder to create and maintain a written policy and provide educational training for certain staff regarding the medical use of marijuana. Exempts hospitals and hospital-affiliated clinics from the requirements. Requires that in order to engage in the medical use of marijuana, the patient or resident of the organization or residential facility must be a medical marijuana cardholder or have applied to be a medical marijuana cardholder. Protects an organization or residential facility [ and its employees and contractors ] from certain criminal liability related to the medical use of marijuana. Prohibits the Oregon State Board of Nursing from taking disciplinary action against a nurse for discussing the medical use of marijuana with a patient. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Requires certain health benefit plans to provide coverage for preventive health services in accordance with federal rules in effect on June 30, 2025, and immunizations recommended by the Public Health Officer in the future. Authorizes the Public Health Officer, or designated physician, to issue a standing order for a prescription to control, prevent, mitigate or treat any infectious or noninfectious disease or other significant public health concern. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Requires the Oregon Health Authority to adopt a payment mechanism to pay certain nonprofit reproductive health care providers that are not eligible to receive federal Medicaid funds for services provided to medical assistance recipients. Applies to claims for payment for services provided on or after July 4, 2025, if the claim is not eligible for federal financial participation and has not yet been paid. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Establishes coverage levels for doula services in the state medical assistance program and for health benefit plans that provide coverage for pregnancy and childbirth expenses. Requires the Oregon Health Authority, coordinated care organizations and health benefit plans that provide coverage for pregnancy and childbirth to provide coverage for services of lactation counselors. Specifies that minimum coverage level modifications for doula services and required coverage for lactation counselor services become operative on January 1, 2028. Directs the Traditional Health Workers Commission to establish a voluntary registration system for lactation counselors. Becomes operative on January 1, 2028. Creates the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative in the Oregon Health and Science University. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Declares this state's policy to protect engagement in certain activities relating to reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment. Prohibits cooperation with law enforcement agencies of the federal government or other states in actions involving legally-protected reproductive or gender-affirming health care activities. Modifies provisions regarding interstate actions involving legally-protected reproductive or gender-affirming health care activities. Makes specified records and information confidential. Provides protection from disciplinary action for direct entry midwives who provide reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment under specified circumstances. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.