Bill > HB3085

This bill establishes the Emergency Behavioral Health Services for Children program in Oregon to address mental health crises among children under 18 years old. The program will initially launch as a pilot in three separate regional trauma areas, with each region selecting one hospital to serve as a Regional Child Psychiatric Center. These centers must provide comprehensive psychiatric emergency services, including an emergency evaluation area, on-site child psychiatrists, behavioral health clinicians, peer and family support specialists, and connections to local follow-up resources. The centers may also operate a 24/7 Child Psychiatric Emergency unit offering observation services and inpatient beds. All hospitals in the region will be required to have memorandums of understanding with the Regional Child Psychiatric Center to ensure seamless consultation and patient care. The regional trauma areas will conduct needs assessments, develop response plans, and establish policies to provide services regardless of insurance or ability to pay. The Oregon Health Authority will fund the pilot program, evaluate its impact, and report to legislative committees by September 15, 2027. The pilot program is set to sunset on January 2, 2032, allowing time to assess its effectiveness and potentially expand or modify the program based on the findings.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3085