71st OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2001 Regular Session
 
NOTE:  Matter within  { +  braces and plus signs + } in an
amended section is new. Matter within  { -  braces and minus
signs - } is existing law to be omitted. New sections are within
 { +  braces and plus signs + } .
 
LC 260
 
                         House Bill 2320
 
Ordered printed by the Speaker pursuant to House Rule 12.00A (5).
  Presession filed (at the request of Representative Kathy Lowe)
 
 
                             SUMMARY
 
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the
measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to
consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor's
brief statement of the essential features of the measure as
introduced.
 
  Establishes Office of Managed Health Care Ombudsman within
Department of Consumer and Business Services. Defines duties and
responsibilities.
  Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Consumer
and Business Services.
 
                        A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the Office of the Managed Health Care Ombudsman; and
  appropriating money.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
  SECTION 1.  { + (1) There is created the Office of the Managed
Health Care Ombudsman within the Insurance Division of the
Department of Consumer and Business Services.
  (2) The Office of the Managed Health Care Ombudsman shall:
  (a) Educate the public, providers and consumers about managed
health care programs offered in this state;
  (b) Assist health insurance consumers with plan selection by
providing referrals and information about how to obtain health
insurance;
  (c) Help health insurance consumers to understand their rights
and responsibilities under health insurance plans and policies;
  (d) Assist consumers in identifying, investigating and
resolving complaints about managed health care; and
  (e) Assist consumers with filing and pursuing complaints with
managed health care organizations. + }
  SECTION 2.  { + (1) The Managed Health Care Ombudsman is
established within the Office of the Managed Health Care
Ombudsman. The ombudsman shall function independently from the
Insurance Division. The Governor shall appoint the Managed Health
Care Ombudsman for a four-year term. Vacancies shall be filled
within 60 days in the same manner as appointments are made. The
appointment is subject to Senate confirmation under ORS 171.562
and 171.565.
  (2) The Managed Health Care Ombudsman may be removed for just
cause by the Governor.
  (3) In addition to carrying out the duties of the Office of the
Managed Health Care Ombudsman as specified in section 1 of this
2001 Act, the ombudsman shall:
  (a) Establish office procedures for the Office of the Managed
Health Care Ombudsman;
  (b) Document and report on an annual basis to the Director of
the Department of Consumer and Business Services statistics
detailing the number, nature and resolution of complaints about
managed health care organizations; and
  (c) Coordinate, facilitate and advocate for consumers and
health care providers of managed health care organizations. + }
  SECTION 3.  { + There is appropriated to the Department of
Consumer and Business Services, for the biennium beginning July
1, 2001, out of the General Fund, the amount of $___ for the
purpose of carrying out sections 1 and 2 of this 2001 Act. + }
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