Bill > HB2041

This bill addresses mental health services parity by requiring health insurance providers to reimburse mental health professionals at the same rate as physicians for equivalent services. Specifically, the bill amends several Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) to ensure that clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and other licensed mental health professionals receive the same reimbursement as physicians when performing services within their lawful scope of practice. The bill expands existing laws to include mental health professionals in provisions that previously only covered physician associates and nurse practitioners. Key changes include allowing direct access to mental health professionals without physician referral, mandating equal payment rates, and preventing insurers from reducing reimbursement for physicians to comply with the new requirements. The amendments will apply to insurance policies issued, renewed, or extended on or after January 1, 2026, providing a clear implementation timeline. By ensuring equal treatment and compensation for mental health professionals, the bill aims to improve access to mental health services and recognize the professional value of these practitioners.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2041