OHSU medical student supports bill protecting physician control from corporate influence

The House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss significant legislative proposals impacting the medical community in Oregon. A key focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 951, which aims to address concerns regarding the influence of corporate interests on medical practices.

During the session, a medical student from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) provided testimony on behalf of Oregon Students for a National Health Program. The student emphasized the importance of maintaining physician control over clinical decisions, arguing that current corporate practices threaten the integrity of patient care. They highlighted the need for a balance between financial sustainability and ethical patient care, referencing the longstanding CPM doctrine in Oregon that seeks to preserve this balance.

The student expressed concerns about the implications of corporate management service organizations (MSOs) on private practices, noting that physicians should not have their clinical decisions dictated by corporate executives lacking medical training. They argued that the proposed legislation does not ban private equity but rather ensures that physicians retain authority over clinical matters, which is crucial for both current and future practitioners.

In support of the bill, Josh Balek, vice president of health policy for AllCare Health, a coordinated care organization in Southern Oregon, also testified. He affirmed that AllCare is owned by independent physicians and expressed full support for Senate Bill 951, indicating a shared commitment to prioritizing patient care over corporate interests.

The discussions highlighted a growing concern among medical professionals about the potential risks posed by corporate involvement in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where clinics face financial challenges. The committee's deliberations on Senate Bill 951 reflect a broader movement within the medical community to safeguard the quality of patient care against corporate encroachment.

As the committee continues to evaluate the bill, the testimonies underscore the critical need for legislative measures that empower physicians and protect the integrity of healthcare delivery in Oregon.