OHA seeks new members for Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Mental Health Clinical Advisory Group

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) seeks new members for both the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T Committee) and Mental Health Clinical Advisory Group (MHCAG). Both are crucial to OHA’s strategic goal to eliminate health inequity by 2030, as well as the agency’s mission, vision and values.

OHA’s Commitment to Health Equity and Representative Committee Membership

Both the P&T Committee and MHCAG are committed to seating members who are truly representative of Oregon’s diverse population to ensure these perspectives are heard and integrated into committee, group and policy-making decisions. The P&T Committee and MHCAG are both established in statute with defined membership categories. Presently, OHA is actively seeking applications from:

• Actively practicing physicians for the P&T Committee
• Actively practicing community psychiatrists (pediatric or adult) for the MHCAG
• Licensed clinical psychologists (2) for the MHCAG
• An individual representing a coordinated care organization (CCO) for the MHCAG

Oregon’s P&T Committee advises OHA on which prescription drugs should be included on any preferred drug list or formulary established by OHA. The P&T Committee also advises OHA on retrospective and prospective drug use review programs for the Oregon Health Plan. The committee consists of five doctors, four pharmacists and two individuals who are neither a doctor nor a pharmacist. Terms are for three years, and meetings are scheduled for the first Thursday of even-numbered months.

MHCAG has a dual role. First, MHCAG advises the P&T Committee on mental health medication preferred drug lists and respective clinical guidelines for the pharmacologic treatment of mental health disorders. Second, MHCAG provides OHA recommendations that include evidence-based treatment algorithms and guidance for mental health disorders that include but are not limited to pharmacologic treatment options. This group is made up of various state leaders, clinical experts and advocates. Terms are for three years with meetings scheduled for every month. Regular meetings are held every odd month and special meetings are held every even month or another frequency determined by the chair.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. When in-person meetings resume, appointed P&T Committee and MHCAG members are reimbursed travel expenses incurred in the performance of official duties according to current policy. Virtual meeting options will continue to be available following the resumption of in-person meetings. Members are responsible for providing their own equipment to participate in virtual meetings.

If you have questions or need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation request under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Dee Weston by email or phone through the contact information listed below. All applications should be submitted to OHA.pharmacy@state.or.us. All positions are open until filled.

P&T Application can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Documents/PT%20Committee%20Application.pdf  

MHCAG Application can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-Pharmacy/MHCAGDocs/MHCAG-Application.pdf

For more information, please contact: Deborah (“Dee”) Weston, Pharmacy Programs Policy Advisor Oregon Health Authority 971-283-8818 – mobile phone deborah.g.weston@dhsoha.state.or.us