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This month, our team begins a restructure process to stand up as a distinct Behavioral Health division within OHA so we may be more responsive and effective in our work to end health inequities and expand programs and access to behavioral health services across the state.
This restructure will be complete by April 2024 as part of the agency’s reorganization plan to dissolve the Health Systems Division and move its largest programs – Behavioral Health and Medicaid – into two separate divisions.
At the center of these changes are you – our partners and providers – and the communities we serve together so we may be better positioned to effectively implement programming and be responsive to the growing needs and acuity among the people we serve.
This restructure plan does not reduce staffing and in fact, we plan to continue to expand our team, as resources allow, so that we may be more agile and efficient in our support and responsiveness to partners and providers.
On behalf of the entire team, thank you for your continued collaboration and the ways you support behavioral health in your communities.
Ebony S. Clarke, OHA Behavioral Health Director
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In this issue:
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Dr. Sejal Hathi began her role as the new interim OHA director on Tuesday, Jan. 16. In her first day message, Dr. Hathi said she plans to visit with communities across the state over the next several weeks to listen and learn from partners and providers. Access Dr. Hathi’s first day message and bio online.
Dr. Hathi will continue to serve as interim director pending legislative confirmation hearings set for early February.
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On Jan. 17, OHA notified providers that it had lifted the temporary pause on application requirements for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of care to ensure a continuum of care expected by the Center for Medicaid and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Applications are now due by Feb. 17 to sud.waiver@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
OHA plans to file emergency rules to clarify understanding and to identify and address barriers related to services provided to clients at time of intake. OHA will consider feedback and suggestions it received about the application requirements and has planned a work session from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26 to receive additional provider feedback. Samantha Byers, Adult Behavioral Health Director, and Nicole Corbin, Addiction Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention Manager will facilitate the work session.
Providers interested in attending should email Hanna Christensen at hanna.p.christensen@oha.oregon.gov.
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This month, an advisory group of behavioral health professionals began the task of identifying ways to improve the retention and recruitment of the state’s behavioral health workforce.
The group’s tasks and membership are outlined in HB 2235. View the list of the HB 2235 Workgroup Committee members and a draft of the group’s charter online.
The group next meets on Jan. 24 and will continue meeting on a bi-weekly cadence.
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Proposed rulemaking on residential treatment placement
The last day for public comment on proposed rulemaking related to the modification of placement care of persons in residential treatment facilities and residential treatment homes is 5 p.m. Feb. 18. Send comments to bhrulemaking@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
Review the notice and proposed rule.
Rule changes effective Jan. 1
The following OHA administrative rules were permanently adopted or amended and took effect Jan. 1:
Temporary rules notices
The following temporary rules took effect Jan. 10:
View all recent temporary rulemaking notices at:
Ongoing RAC updates: Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) updates and meeting information is now more easily available on the RAC webpage.
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Latest M110 data show 300% gains in people seeking services
Last week, OHA released the latest quarterly report on data from Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers who receive Measure 110 funding. The report shows data from April 1-June 2023, and closes out the first full year of operations from July 1, 2022, through July 30, 2023.
A few highlights over the 12 months of reporting:
- 143% increase in client encounters for substance use treatment
- 298% increase in client screenings for Measure 110 network.
- 296% increase in housing services provided to clients
- 286% increase in supported employment services provided to clients
To learn more, view the press release or the Measure 110 dashboard.
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Comment form now available
Last month, Measure 110 partners received flyers to post at their service sites that invite comment or complaints about Measure 110-funded services.
The flyer is now available in English, Spanish and additional languages will be available soon.
Comments or complaints may be submitted by anyone via:
M110 Oversight and Accountability Council meets Jan. 24
The Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council next meets at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24.
The agenda will be posted on the Oversight and Accountability Council web page. View the virtual meeting at https://www.youtube.com/live/VFeDk1L7xRk.
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Our team shared several updates with the Joint Interim Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services on Jan. 10 during Legislative Days. The short session begins Feb. 5.
OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony S. Clarke, OHA Adult Mental Services Director Samantha Byers and Measure 110 Engagement and Strategy Manager Kristen Donheffner presented on:
- Ballot Measure 110
- Substance Use Disorders Accreditation
- Jail Diversion Programs
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