PCPCH program reminders and updates coming this year...
 Reminder: Most PCPCHs will not need to re-apply this year
All PCPCHs that applied last year under the 2025 version of the PCPCH model will not be due to re-apply again until 2027. Practices may still choose to apply before this if they wish to increase their tier level or apply for the Health Equity Designation, but they are not required to do so. Practices can find their unique 2027 re-application deadline in the letter of recognition that was emailed to them following their attestation. Feel free to email pcpch@oha.oregon.gov if you need another copy of that letter to keep for your records.
PCPCH program taking steps to reduce administrative complexity for participating practices
The PCPCH Program has been working to reduce administrative complexity for practices participating in the program as much as possible in ways that still maintain clinic accountability to high-quality care. Efforts will center on streamlining application and site visit preparation, consolidating the supportive documentation required, clarifying measure requirements, and aligning reporting expectations with existing clinic workflows. The goal is for clinics to be able to focus more on team-based patient care than on paperwork for the PCPCH program — allowing for improved clinic efficiency, better success in quality improvement efforts and value based payment, and increased overall effectiveness of the program. These changes will be implemented throughout 2026. We will keep you in the loop via this monthly emailed update!
Applications due Friday, February 6
The Oregon Health Policy Board is launching a Primary Care Strategy Committee beginning in April of 2026 to help achieve its vision of a sustainable and fully supported primary care system where every person has access to whole-person care that fosters well-being, strengthens communities, uplifts care teams, advances equity, and keeps health care affordable.
The Primary Care Strategy Committee will lead a coordinated effort to stabilize, strengthen, and align Oregon’s primary care system with the goal of strengthening access to equitable, affordable, high-quality patient care. The Committee will promote innovative solutions for a strong primary care system focusing on payment and affordability, workforce, and the delivery system.
The Board invites primary care providers, consumers and patients, health equity advocates, health care payers, healthcare purchasers and employers, primary care workforce experts, specialty care providers, health system or hospital representatives, health center administrators, professional associations representing primary care providers, legislators and legislative aids or experts in policy-making, tribal health providers, and other primary care team members to apply. See the full call for applications for additional details about the committee work and intended members.
You can apply by completing the online Member Application. If you are unable to submit your application via the online survey, please email OHPB.CommitteeRecruitment@oha.oregon.gov. All applications are due by Friday, February 6, 2026.
Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based strategy for helping patients adopt healthier behaviors or lifestyle choices. The virtual and in-person trainings below are available to health care providers and immunizers, and are being sponsored by OHA's Transformation Center in partnership with Boost Oregon.
Virtual training: Addressing vaccine hesitancy
Wednesday, February 25 (noon-1pm)
This one-hour webinar introduces the underlying philosophy and core skills of Motivational Interviewing as they apply to vaccine conversations. Participants will learn how using open questions, affirmations, reflective listening and recognizing autonomy can foster trust and collaboration. This session will also cover the use of the Ask-Offer-Ask framework for sharing vaccine information in a way that respects choice and encourages meaningful dialogue. It will be facilitated by Carrie Bader, MPH, Boost Oregon’s training director. Click here to register.
Virtual training: Vaccine conversations across cultures
Wednesdays, March 11 & March 18 (noon-1pm)
Vaccine hesitancy is often connected to cultural identity and can be rooted in a wide range of factors, including historical trauma, religious practices and/or political beliefs. This one-hour virtual session will review specific examples of culture-based reasons for vaccine hesitancy, how to broach this topic in a respectful manner, and how to use skills of Motivational Interviewing to promote vaccination in a culturally sensitive manner. It will be facilitated by Carrie Bader, MPH, Boost Oregon’s training director and Caroline Nguyen Ticarro, Boost Oregon’s executive director. Click here to register for the session on March 11, and here to register for March 18.
In-person, full day workshops
The in-person trainings are six hours each and will be held in Portland, Medford and Bend in spring of 2026. The training will offer continuing medical education credits through the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dates and locations will be posted soon to OHA’s CCO metrics technical assistance webpage for child and adolescent immunizations.
 Sessions January through May, noon-1pm
PCPCH Standard 3.D – Health Related Social Needs encourages primary care practices to screen its patients for social barriers that can affect their ability to maintain their health such as housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of transportation.
The Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network is hosting free virtual learning sessions to support Oregon clinics with social needs screening and referral processes. Each session includes an educational component and opportunities to connect with peers across the state to hear firsthand experiences and learn effective practices. Register for any or all of these sessions by clicking here, or contact Mari Tasche at tasche@ohsu.edu with questions. The sessions are each from noon to 1pm:
-
Monday, February 23: Building Effective Referral Pathways
-
Wednesday, March 18: Creating Community Partnerships
-
Wednesday, April 22: Using Data to Inform Processes
-
Monday, May 18: Sustaining Social Needs Work
Wednesdays, February 25 & March 4 (noon-1pm)
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Mailing fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and patient navigation can increase screening and early detection, especially among diverse populations. The Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network is offering a free, two-part webinar series to help you learn how to improve your colorectal cancer screening rates with FIT distribution and patient navigation!
Participants will hear from experts on how to 1) provide adults with an easy, at-home colorectal cancer screening option 2) design your program and develop an implementation plan using the best available evidence, and 3) learn about the return on investment of screening outreach and other benefits to your organization. The two-part virtual series will take place on Wednesdays, February 25 and March 4 from noon to 1pm. Register now at this link or email smartercrc@ohsu.edu to learn more.
The Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative was convened by the Oregon Health Authority to develop and share strategies for health care reimbursement that increase investment and innovation in primary care. The collaborative completed its work in December 2025 and has released a Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative Final Report which outlines its recommendations and payment models including value-based payment, integration of traditional health workers, and more.
Questions?
We are here to help! Contact us at PCPCH@oha.oregon.gov
About the Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program
Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes (PCPCHs) are health care practices that have been recognized by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for their commitment to providing high quality, patient-centered care.The PCPCH Program administers the application, recognition, and verification process for practices applying to become Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes.The program is also working with partners across Oregon to support adoption of the primary care home model. For more information visit www.PrimaryCareHome.oregon.gov.
The mission of the PCPCH Program is to be a trusted partner in primary care, collaborating with community members to set the standard for transformative, whole-person, and evidence-based care.
|
