Bill > SB1547

This bill establishes a new profession called a "licensed behavioral health and wellness practitioner" in Oregon, overseen by the Oregon Board of Psychology, and defines their scope of practice to include behavioral health promotion, prevention, and brief intervention services such as early identification of concerns, psychoeducation, skills training, risk identification, and care coordination. To become licensed, individuals must meet educational and supervised practice requirements, pass an exam, and demonstrate good moral character. The bill also creates a client privilege for communications with these practitioners, similar to existing privileges for other licensed mental health professionals, and mandates that these practitioners report certain types of abuse. Furthermore, it clarifies that these practitioners must practice under the supervision of other licensed professionals like psychologists, physicians, counselors, therapists, clinical social workers, or psychiatric nurse practitioners, and prohibits them from engaging in activities reserved for licensed psychologists or physicians, such as diagnosing or independently treating disorders or administering certain tests. The bill also outlines disciplinary actions the Board of Psychology can take against licensees and sets an effective date for these provisions.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1547