OPS Fall 2023 Newsletter
Oregon Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 10/09/2023 03:04 PM PDT
Welcome to the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) 2023 Fall Newsletter!
SEPTEMBER RAC MEETINGS CONCLUDE
Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) convened three Rules Advisory Committees (RACs) in September to discuss draft rules on: (1) Technical fixes to OPS Administrative Rules, (2) Senate Bill 303, and (3) Training programs and HECC licensure. Recordings of the September 2023 RAC meetings can be found on the OPS Administrative Rules webpage.
Draft rules are now being revised based on RAC input, and the next version of proposed rules will be made available for public comment on November 1, 2023.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK ON OPS DRAFT RULES IN NOVEMBER!
All members of the public are invited to provide comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period beginning November 1, 2023, and concluding November 21, 2023. Please remember we can only accept written comments on the November proposed rules during this time. Instructions for how to submit written comments will be shared with the release of the revised set of rules on November 1, 2023.
In addition to submitting comments in writing, you can also plan to share your comments at one of three public hearings scheduled in November:
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (Pacific Time)
Thursday, November 16, 2023 – 10:00 am – 11:30 am (Pacific Time)
Thursday, November 17, 2023 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided, as well as live closed caption transcription. If you have any questions about accommodations or need any assistance to participate please contact the Oregon Psilocybin Services team at 971-341-1713, 711 TTY or OHA.Psilocybin@odhsoha.oregon.gov and every effort will be made to respond to requests received in advance. Submitting your request as early as possible is greatly appreciated.
More information about how to join the virtual public hearings is available on the OPS Administrative Rules page.
PUBLIC LISTENING SESSION Q&A SUMMARY
OPS held a series of three virtual public listening sessions this summer. In case you missed it, OPS compiled questions across the sessions and summarized questions and answers in a Q&A summary document.
OPERATIONAL FORMS UPDATE
Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) has been working on releasing new and updated operational forms for licensees. These forms will help OPS licensees comply with OPS administrative rules.
OPS expects the forms to be ready in November and will send an update through the OPS distribution list when they are published to the OPS website. OPS will be translating Spanish versions of the new and updated forms and will publish on the OPS website as soon as they are available.
PRODUCT TRACKING SYSTEM UPDATE
OPS has completed development of the new psilocybin Product Tracking System (PTS). OPS Licensees now have access to an overview training through the Training program, Licensing and Compliance (TLC) system. In addition to the overview training, the OPS team will continue to provide ongoing technical support to all licensed psilocybin businesses.
If you are a licensee and have questions about TLC-PTS, please contact the compliance team through TLC.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE OREGON PSILOCYBIN ADVISORY BOARD?
Members of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board (OPAB) are appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. In accordance with ORS 475A, OPAB positions must be filled by members with specific expertise. These positions are filled as vacancies become available. If you are interested in applying, please learn more about the electronic application process by going to the OPS webpage: Apply to Become a Board Member.
For questions related to the board appointment process or the status of your submitted application, please do not contact the Oregon Psilocybin Services Section. Contact the Governor's Office of Executive Appointments at: (503) 378-6829.
LICENSING UPDATE
OPS continues to issue new licenses to a growing network of licensees across the state of Oregon. The OPS Licensee Directory includes a list of licensees who have consented to have their information publicly listed.
As of Friday, October 6, 2023, OPS has licensed: 135 facilitators, 12 service centers, 4 manufacturers, and 2 laboratories. OPS has approved 24 training programs and issued 307 worker permits. You can find the latest stats by going to our Weekly Report on Applications for Licenses and Worker Permits.
IN THE NEWS
We continue to post quarterly newsletters and other news on our News Archive webpage. Recent posts have included:
- Inside Oregon's new magic mushroom industry
- Oregon launches legal psilocybin access amid high demand and hopes for improved mental health care
- Oregon's Magic Mushrooms: Our State's New Psilocybin Industry
We welcome your feedback.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with comments or questions.
www.oregon.gov/psilocybin
