HB 2176

Abstract

Directs Oregon Health Authority to study and evaluate need for and feasibility of expanding, reconstructing, renovating or otherwise improving space, bed capacity and facilities of state hospitals or of other state facilities that are or could be used for care and treatment of persons with mental illness, with aim of increasing patient capacity by 200 percent at each location. Directs authority to determine how many employees are necessary to provide adequate care and treatment to current patient populations at state hospitals and how many employees would be needed to provide adequate care and treatment for expanded patient population. Directs authority to evaluate feasibility of establishing reserve of qualified mental health professionals to augment existing staff at state hospitals, with focus on feasibility of employing retired mental health professionals or mental health professionals from outside this state. Requires reports to Legislative Assembly. Sunsets on January 1, 2025. Declares emergency, effective on passage.