The most nerve-racking moment of my first term
Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 02/21/2024 09:29 AM PST
Hello friends and neighbors,
We are in the peak of the 2024 legislative session! Legislators and I have been back in Salem for the past couple weeks, working to pass our legislation in just 35 short days. I am excited to share the whirlwind of the legislative session with you.
Both of the bills I have introduced have seen successful public hearings and passed through work sessions.
Strengthening Oregon’s Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine
You might remember from my mid-January update that one of my top priorities during this 2024 session is strengthening Oregon’s Corporate Practice of Medicine laws.
I’ll be honest: I care more about this bill than I ever thought I would! The more time I’ve spent learning, developing the policy, and meeting with advocates, the more convinced I am that this bill is incredibly important for Oregon’s health care system.
In short, the bill closes loopholes in Oregon’s “Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine”—which basically just says doctors have to be in charge of medical practices. Currently, there are several complex “workarounds” being exploited by large corporations and private-equity-backed businesses to avoid the requirement that physicians be in charge. My bill would dramatically bolster the independence and autonomy of medical providers to do what’s right for their patients without interference.
Dr. Bruce Goldberg, Fmr. Governor Kitzhaber, and I testified on HB 4130.
On Wednesday February 7th, I sat in between former Governor John Kitzhaber and former OHA Director Dr. Bruce Goldberg to present the bill to the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee. I interned for Gov. Kitzhaber’s campaign back in 2010 and have looked up to him ever since, so it was a really special moment for me to get to sit alongside him to advocate for this bill that I’ve worked so hard on. A true highlight from my first term in the legislature.
Kitzhaber was the chief architect of the Oregon Health Plan–and he and Dr. Goldberg designed Oregon’s innovative and renowned coordinated care model of health care delivery. They are two of the brightest minds in health policy in Oregon, so it’s fair to say I was a *little* nervous to be up there with them (translation: I was incredibly nervous).
Fortunately, the hearing went incredibly well. Last week, the bill moved out of committee on a bipartisan vote, and it’s expected to be voted on the House floor tomorrow.
My favorite photo from the testimony, taken by Rep. Hai Pham.
The bill has attracted lots of support, from physician groups, to nurses unions, to insurance companies, to patient advocacy organizations, and more–but it’s also drawn a few big opponents (mostly multi-billion dollar corporations and private-equity-backed companies).
It’s also gotten the attention of several Oregon and national publications. Here are some highlights:
- The Lund Report: “Bill to curb private equity in health care draws heavyweight backing”
- The Oregon Capital Chronicle: “Lawmakers, health care leaders want to prevent private investor control of medical practices”
- The American Prospect: “Attack of the Straw Doctors”
- Medical Economics: “Oregon lawmaker introduces bill to block private equity from buying medical practices in the state”
You can also watch the recording of the testimony—the HB 4130 hearing begins 51 minutes into the video.
One final piece about the bill that I think is worth reading: Governor Kitzhaber’s opinion piece on the disastrous consequences of the corporatization of our healthcare system–and why he supports this bill. He ends with these powerful questions:
“Do we, as Oregonians, believe that out-of-state equity investors are better suited to control the practice of medicine in Oregon, then our own local physicians? Do we believe that health care resources should flow from our communities and into the coffers of huge publicly traded corporations? And, most importantly, do we believe that the health of Oregonians is no more than an economic commodity to be bought and sold on the stock market?”
Homecare Modernization Act!
Last Monday, I testified in support of our bill to modernize the clunky and outdated homecare system in Oregon. This bill (HB 4129) would improve support for individuals receiving homecare support and their hardworking caregivers.
Testifying in support of HB 4129 alongside a dedicated group of homecare workers who came to Salem.
Women in Sports at Tigard High
On February 9th, I attended an incredible event at Tigard High School about Women in Sports. About 150 people attended, including student athletes, coaches, teachers, administrators, and community leaders, to hear from alumni athletes. Emma Vu (Class of 2020), Maddy Hoover (Class of 2019), Chelsea Meyer (Class of 2010), and Laurie Vizzini (Class of 1994) spoke on a panel about their experience as women athletes at THS, in college, and beyond. Coach Vizzini, who played basketball under legendary coach Pat Summit, talked about her experience as a player and mentor for young female basketball players.
Women in Sports Day at Tigard HS
The panel covered a range of topics from NIL (“name/image/likeness” compensation for athletes), perseverance during challenging times, support for multi-sport athletes, and the importance of separating one’s self worth from their athletic performance. The panel stressed the importance of work ethic, concluding with one great piece of advice for student-athletes: coaches recruit for attitude and effort.
Thank you to Tori Alderman, the THS athletics equity coordinator, who organized this terrific event!
Support for the Arts!
A bipartisan group of legislators stood with Representative Rob Nosse on February 8th advocating for art and culture funding. This funding would help sustain nonprofits and cultural organizations that help strengthen communities across Oregon. Rep. Nosse is a dogged champion of the arts–at a panel I was on last month, leaders of the arts community said he and Congresswoman Bonamici literally saved several prominent Oregon arts institutions from collapse during the pandemic.
Bipartisan group of legislators from across Oregon supporting funding the Arts
Future Caucus
I am proud to be the co-chair of Oregon’s Future Caucus alongside Representative Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point). We hosted a future caucus reception and were happy to see folks from all parts of the political spectrum.
Rep McIntire and I at the first Future Caucus Reception as co-chairs!
Happy Birthday Oregon!
On Wednesday February 14th, we celebrated the 165th birthday of the best state in the country–and Valentine’s Day.
Rep McIntire, Rep Pham, Sen Frederick, and I celebrated with an Oregon State Flag cake!
Meeting Oregon’s Kid Governor
Senators Woods and I had a great time meeting with Oregon’s 2024 Kid Governor Zoya Shah (and her family) from Findley Elementary! I’m not exaggerating when I say Zoya is one of the most impressive elementary school students I’ve ever met! She spoke to us about the need to support students experiencing anxiety, and her family shared about how the experience of being Kid Governor has positively impacted her.
Great news for Oregon’s future: when I asked if she wanted to run for office someday, she said she would consider it!
Kid Governor Shah and Family, Senator Woods, and I
A huge shoutout to Nikki Fisher in the Secretary of State’s Office for her work making this cool program happen.
What's On Your Ballot? Voter Drive & Ballot Measure Forum
Tigard residents: mark your calendars for Sunday March 3rd!
On March 3, from 1-3pm at the Tigard Public Library, three guest speakers will give an election preview:
- Tigard Mayor Heidi Lueb will speak about the city ballot measures
- Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue will address their upcoming ballot measures
- A Washington County Elections official will speak about voting rules and deadlines.
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Thanks for reading,
Ben Bowman
Oregon State Representative
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