2013 Oregon Legislative SummaryThis legislative session, which ended after a full weekend of hearings on Monday July 8, 2013, saw a number of bills passed relating to public health in Oregon. There were continued efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural Oregon. Lawmakers approved a measure to create a scholarship program at Oregon Health and Science University for primary care providers who agree to practice in rural or underserved communities (SB 2). Additionally lawmakers expanded a separate student loan repayment program for health care providers who practice in rural Oregon (SB 440). Lawmakers also took the next steps toward implementing the federal Affordable Care Act in 2014 and made significant new investments in statewide mental health treatment. Download the 2013 OPHA Legislative Wrap-Up HERE. 2013 Legislative Highlights:HB2216: Renews health care provider taxes on hospitals and long term care facilities, leveraging federal funds to provide health care for an additional 220,000 Oregonians. HB 2649: Provides $500,000 in grants monies to support Farm to School programs in Oregon schools. HB 2902: Enhances Oregon's health care workforce by giving nurse practitioners and physician assistants pay equity with physicians for services. HB 2992: Allows low-income mothers and seniors to use SNAP and WIC benefits to purchase fresh food at local farmer's markets and stands. HB 3000: Keeps Oregon students' vision health strong by requiring public school students at age seven to have vision screening or eye examinations. SB 2: Establishes the Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative to provide free tuition for OHSU medical students who commit to practice medicine in rural areas after graduation. SB 440: Renews loan repayment program to bolster Oregon's health care workforce, expanding access to primary care services in rural and underserved areas. OPHA Endorsed Bills that passed:SB 172 Newborn Screening for Congenital Heart Disease: Directs Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules requiring all infants born at birthing facilities in the state to be screened for congenital heart defects. HB 3260 Relating to Health Care, Declaring an Emergency: Requires Oregon Health Authority to conduct study or contract with third party to study and recommend best option for financing health care in the state. SB 5543 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (TMSA)
OPHA Endorsed Bills that Did Not Pass:
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Public Health Association is an affiliated association of the American Public Health Association (APHA). We have collaborated with APHA to grow stronger as organizations, to share expertise, influence, and resources, and to advocate for common priorities at the local, state and federal levels. APHA champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.