Chapter 47 Oregon Laws 2003

AN ACT

HB 2426

Relating to advisory committees for Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research; amending ORS 414.021.

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

SECTION 1. ORS 414.021 is amended to read:

414.021. (1) The Administrator of the Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research shall be responsible for analyzing and reporting on the implementation of the elements of the Oregon Health Plan that are assigned to various state agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Human Services and the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and shall administer the Health Services Commission, the Health Resources Commission and the Oregon Health Council. Pursuant to the responsibilities described in this subsection, the administrator may review and monitor the progress of the various activities that comprise Oregon's efforts to reform health care through state-funded and employer-based coverage. Except for administration of the Health Services Commission, the Health Resources Commission and the Oregon Health Council and as specifically authorized in ORS 414.018 to 414.024, 414.042, 414.107, 414.710, 414.720 and 735.712, the administrator shall not be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Oregon Health Plan, but shall exercise such oversight responsibilities as are necessary to further the Oregon Health Plan's goals.

(2) The administrator shall be responsible for the activities necessary to implement the plans and programs described in sections 4 and 7, chapter 815, Oregon Laws 1993, that are intended to expand voluntary health care coverage to Oregonians.

(3) The administrator shall employ such staff or utilize such state agency personnel as are necessary to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of the administrator. In addition, the administrator may contract with third parties for technical and administrative services necessary to carry out Oregon Health Plan activities where contracting promotes economy, avoids duplication of effort and makes best use of available expertise. The administrator may call upon other state agencies to provide available information as necessary to assist the administrator in meeting the responsibilities under ORS 414.018 to 414.024, 414.042, 414.107, 414.710, 414.720 and 735.712. The information shall be supplied as promptly as circumstances permit.

(4) The Oregon Health Council shall serve as the primary advisory committee to the administrator, the Governor and the Legislative Assembly. The administrator also may appoint other technical or advisory committees to assist the Oregon Health Council in formulating its advice. Individuals appointed to any technical or other advisory committee shall serve without compensation for their services as members, but may be reimbursed for their travel expenses pursuant to ORS 292.495.

(5) The administrator may apply for, receive and accept grants, gifts and other payments, including property and services, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person and may make arrangements for the use of these receipts, including the undertaking of special studies and other projects relating to health care costs and access to health care.

(6) The directors of the Departments of Human Services and Consumer and Business Services and other state agency personnel responsible for implementing elements of the Oregon Health Plan shall cooperate fully with the administrator in carrying out their responsibilities under the Oregon Health Plan.

(7) All health policy advisory committees reporting to the Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research and all advisory task forces on health policy appointed by the administrator shall report directly to the Oregon Health Council.

(8)(a) ORS 192.610 to 192.690 apply to any meeting of any technical or advisory committee or advisory task force with the authority to make decisions for, conduct policy research for or make recommendations to the Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research.

(b) Paragraph (a) of this subsection applies only to meetings attended by two or more committee or task force members who are not employed by a public body.

Approved by the Governor April 1, 2003

Filed in the office of Secretary of State April 2, 2003

Effective date January 1, 2004

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