Bill > HB2365

This bill expands the rural medical provider tax credit program to include additional healthcare professionals, broadening eligibility to help address healthcare workforce shortages in rural Oregon. Specifically, the bill adds several new types of healthcare providers who can qualify for the tax credit, including mental health professionals (psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists), naturopathic physicians, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, and medical laboratory technicians. The bill removes previous restrictions, such as the hospital consulting privileges requirement for optometrists, and establishes that eligible providers must work at least 20 hours per week in a rural practice. The Office of Rural Health will be responsible for establishing certification criteria for these newly eligible professionals, ensuring they are providing essential services in rural communities. The tax credit provisions will apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and the bill will take effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session adjourns. This expansion aims to incentivize healthcare professionals to work in underserved rural areas by offering a tax credit, potentially improving access to healthcare in these communities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2365