Chapter 54 Oregon Laws 2001

AN ACT

HB 2249

Relating to conforming regulatory authority of Health Licensing Office with statutory mission of office; amending ORS 676.605.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. ORS 676.605 is amended to read:

676.605. (1) To provide for the more effective coordination of administrative functions of certain health boards, councils and programs charged with responsibility for protecting the public through the licensing and regulation of health-related professions and occupations practiced in this state under uniform mission and goals, there is hereby created the Health Licensing Office.

(2) The mission of the Health Licensing Office is to serve the public by providing a uniform structure and accountability for the boards, councils and programs under its administration to protect the public from harm. The agency's focus is to:

(a) Promote effective health policy that protects the public from incompetent or unauthorized individuals and allows consumers to select a provider from a range of safe options.

(b) Provide outreach and training to stakeholders to improve compliance with public health and safety standards, and to involve stakeholders in the regulation of the various disciplines and fields of practice.

(c) Form partnerships and work in collaboration with each constituency, local and state governmental agencies, educators, organizations and other affected entities to encourage diverse opinions and perspectives.

(d) Provide the boards, councils and programs with a standardized administrative forum and procedures for operation, fiscal services, licensing, enforcement and complaint resolution.

(e) Resolve disputes between regulatory entities regarding the scope of practice of persons licensed by those entities.

(3) The agency is responsible for:

(a) Establishing and administering a uniform application process for licensing, certification or registration of health-related professions or occupations;

(b) Approving and collecting fees proposed by the boards, councils and programs administered by the agency;

(c) Issuing and renewing licenses, certificates and registrations [as recommended by] in consultation with the boards, councils and programs;

(d) Conditioning, limiting, suspending, revoking or refusing to issue or renew a license, certificate or registration [as recommended by] in consultation with the appropriate board, council or program; and

(e) Reviewing board, council and program administrative rules establishing professional standards, continuing education requirements, scope of practice limits and practitioner discipline.

Approved by the Governor April 9, 2001

Filed in the office of Secretary of State April 9, 2001

Effective date January 1, 2002

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