Oregon Academy of Family Physicians supports Senate Bill 951 for physician-led care decisions

Oregon's House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 951, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that medical care decisions are made by licensed physicians rather than influenced by corporate interests. The bill seeks to establish a framework where Oregon-licensed physicians maintain control over both primary care practices and management services organizations, thereby safeguarding the integrity of patient care.

Dr. Brian Frank, chair of the Commission on External Affairs for the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians, voiced strong support for the bill during the meeting. He emphasized that the primary motivation behind Senate Bill 951 is to limit the influence of investors who may prioritize profit over patient care. "The arguments opposing this bill largely stem from investors' desire to avoid regulation," Dr. Frank stated, highlighting the ongoing tension between corporate interests and the medical community's commitment to patient-centered care.

The committee's discussions also touched on the importance of physician governance in healthcare delivery. Advocates argue that having physicians at the helm of both care and management services will lead to better health outcomes and a more ethical healthcare system. Dr. Frank noted that this is a significant moment, as it marks the first time the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians has publicly supported such legislation.

As the committee continues to deliberate on Senate Bill 951, the implications of this bill could reshape the landscape of healthcare in Oregon, ensuring that medical decisions remain firmly in the hands of those most qualified to make them—physicians. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how this legislation will be implemented and its potential impact on healthcare delivery across the state.