The Oregon Senate has approved SB 1529 on a vote of 18 to 7. According to the Senate Democrat Caucus, this bill streamlines emergency management practices and improves agency response to public health emergencies. “In case of a public health emergency, Oregonians deserve a clear, coordinated response from our state’s leadership,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Care. “Currently, we rely on the Governor to declare a public health emergency to deploy licensed health care volunteers to respond in times of crisis. SB 1529 will allow for the Oregon Health Authority to provide an immediate, direct response by activating health care volunteers during emergency situations.”

According to Oregon Citizens' Lobby, SB 1529 allows an unelected Director of the Oregon Health Authority to declare a health care emergency that impacts the economy of the state to make an impactful declaration for the entire state.

In addition to providing more authority for the Oregon Health Authority during a medical emergency, the bill also removes a provision in Oregon law that would allow a pharmacist or pharmacy technician to scan a driver’s license or ID card when dispensing pseudoephedrine.

In 2019, the legislature passed HB 2185 which imposed a number of requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers -- essentially middle-men between health insurers, pharmacies and drug manufacturers -- operating in the state, including prohibiting the requirement that prescriptions be filled via mail order pharmacy and limiting the retroactive denial or reduction of claims. SB 1529 makes those requirements apply to all drug contracts.

“We have a duty to best prepare Oregon for future public health emergencies” said Senator James Manning (D-Eugene), who Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness. “We are deeply grateful for the dedicated, licensed health care providers that are willing to volunteer to protect their communities in times of crisis. Senate Bill 1529 will provide coverage for volunteers if they are injured while serving our state. This measure will allow Oregon to be more responsive, save lives and better support our frontline health care volunteers.”

SB 1529 also allows the Oregon Health Authority to declare a health care emergency and to deploy SERV-OR volunteers. The State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon is a database of health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, Emergency Medical Technicians, behavioral health providers, respiratory therapists and others who serve in response to emergencies.

SB 1529 now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-16 12:45:32