Bill > HB2989

This bill modifies Oregon law regarding the Law Enforcement Medical Liability Account (LEMLA), expanding the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) responsibilities for paying medical expenses related to law enforcement activities. The bill requires OHA to pay any copayments or cost-sharing amounts for medical services related to law enforcement injuries, and to cover the full cost of medical services for uninsured or medical assistance recipients. The OHA will have the final determination on whether an injury is related to law enforcement activity, and must conduct outreach about the funding availability and reimbursement process. The bill broadens the definition of "injuries related to law enforcement activity" to include any injuries sustained during law enforcement efforts to restrain, detain, or take custody of an individual, regardless of whether the person is cited or arrested. The bill also expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include federal government officers and adds requirements for medical service providers to bill the authority and make reasonable collection efforts before seeking reimbursement. Additionally, the bill mandates that OHA continue to pay for medical expenses throughout an injured person's incarceration and requires the authority to deposit any recovered funds back into the LEMLA. These changes will apply to injuries sustained on or after the effective date of the 2025 Act.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2989