Oregon legislature advances House Bill 3835 to improve child behavioral health care system

In a pivotal meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Rules, lawmakers gathered to address the urgent need for reform in the state’s youth behavioral health care system. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of responsibility as Governor Kotek emphasized the critical state of care for Oregon's children, declaring the current system "unacceptable."

The discussion centered around House Bill 3835, which aims to clarify regulations for child-caring agencies and ensure that children have access to necessary care, even across state lines. The bill is rooted in the recommendations of the System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC), established in 2019 to rethink youth behavioral health care delivery. Governor Kotek highlighted the importance of listening to experts and those directly involved in the care of children, asserting that improving the system is a bipartisan issue that transcends politics.

Kotek stressed the need for a regulatory environment that not only protects children from abuse but also provides clear guidelines for caregivers. "We want providers to know how and when to deescalate," she stated, advocating for strong crisis intervention training and accountability measures. The governor also pointed out the necessity of complying with federal Medicaid laws to ensure that medically necessary care is not denied to children in state custody.

As the meeting progressed, Kotek urged her fellow legislators to adopt the latest amendment to the bill, which reflects extensive stakeholder input and aims to enhance access to behavioral health services for youth. She acknowledged that while some provisions related to school settings would be deferred for future discussions, the priority remains clear: to act decisively for the welfare of Oregon's children.

The meeting transitioned to a panel discussion featuring experts in child psychiatry and behavioral health, who echoed the governor's sentiments and provided insights into the challenges facing the current system. As the session unfolded, it became evident that the collective goal was to foster a future where children receive the care they need and deserve, supported by trained and respected providers.

In closing, Governor Kotek's call to action resonated throughout the room: "Now is the moment to take decisive action to repair and strengthen our system of care." The committee's commitment to this cause signals a hopeful step toward a more effective and compassionate approach to youth behavioral health in Oregon.