Bill > HB2042

This bill establishes the Oregon Behavioral Health Consumer Engagement Act, which aims to increase consumer participation in behavioral health services planning and decision-making. The bill defines a "consumer" as a person who has received or is receiving behavioral health services and creates a program through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to support consumer engagement efforts. The OHA will contract with a consumer supporter technical assistance center, which must be a nonprofit, peer-run organization where a majority of leadership has personally received behavioral health services. The center's responsibilities include identifying opportunities for consumer involvement, offering training on navigating the behavioral health system, developing informational materials, advocating for marginalized communities, and improving service quality. The center must submit an annual progress report to the OHA detailing their engagement efforts, including data on consumers reached, training developed, and areas needing improvement. The bill also modifies the definition of "consumer" in existing law to clarify that those receiving compensation within the mental health system are not considered consumers. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,500,000 from the General Fund to support these efforts, with the program becoming operative on January 1, 2026, and the bill taking effect immediately due to an emergency declaration.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2042