Bill > HB2994

This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create a new medical science liaison position focused on addressing health equity and racial disparities. The position will have three primary responsibilities: recognizing racism as a public health crisis, identifying barriers to health equity and justice, and developing trauma-informed recommendations for advancing health equity. The medical science liaison will be required to provide annual reports to the state Legislature detailing their recommendations. The bill includes an emergency clause, making the legislation effective on July 1, 2025, and provides for an unspecified appropriation from the General Fund to support the new position. By establishing this role, the bill aims to systematically address systemic health inequities and promote more just healthcare practices, with a specific focus on understanding and mitigating the impacts of racism on public health.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2994