VOTE: NO
Signed into law by Gov Brown on 3-17-22
Emergency Clause used
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Measures/Overview/SB1529
This bill allows the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Director to declare a health care emergency and to deploy the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers upon approval of the Governor, and provide workers’ compensation coverage for volunteers. Applies existing reimbursement cost-sharing to all contracts between pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers, and increases access to primary care.
Limited Government
The State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERV-OR) is a database of health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), behavioral health providers, respiratory therapists and others who serve in response to emergencies. Providers who are licensed in another state may practice in Oregon upon declaration of an emergency. SB 1529 allows Assistant Director of the Oregon Health Authority to declare a health care emergency with Governor approval that impacts the economy of the state to make an impactful declaration for the entire state, and to deploy SERV-OR volunteers. Prohibits health benefit plans from excluding coverage for behavior or physical health services based on same day coverage, or impose a copay, or requiring prior authorization provided at specialty facility.
Free Markets
Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are intermediaries between health insurers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Most health insurers contract with PBMs to provide third-party administrative services for the insurer’s pharmacy benefit. House Bill 2185 (2019) imposed a number of requirements on PBMs 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 applies the pharmacy benefit manager requirements established in HB 2185 (2019) to all contracts entered into, renewed, or extended on or after January 1, 2021, and contracts automatically renewed on or after January 1, 2023.
The OHA has already demonstrated its capacity for abusing power. If passed this bill would give them unlimited authority to declare a health emergency and impose more draconian restrictions on our citizens and businesses. They didn’t “follow the real science” last time and have given no inclination they will do so the next. Vote NO!