Health Services Division allocates $511M budget for modernization and personnel updates

Oregon's health services division is set to receive a significant budget boost, totaling over $511 million, as part of the latest funding recommendations from the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety. The proposed budget includes a $1.37 million increase to support a new electronic health record system, alongside additional funding aimed at addressing urgent staffing needs and compensation adjustments for healthcare professionals.

The health services budget will see a total of $12.84 million allocated to various initiatives, including $1.52 million for classification and compensation adjustments for physicians and dentists. This funding is crucial as it responds to recent negotiations regarding position values, ensuring that healthcare providers are adequately compensated.

In response to a growing backlog in health services, the budget also includes a $4.9 million investment to hire 13 new staff members, including nurse practitioners and office specialists. This move aims to enhance service delivery and reduce wait times for patients. Additionally, the budget leverages $2.53 million in expiring funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to maximize available resources before the deadline in 2026.

The committee also discussed funding for two grant programs, allocating $500,000 for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) grant and $700,000 for the Oregon Carceral Engagement and Access Network grant, which connects incarcerated individuals living with HIV/AIDS to essential services upon release.

While the health services division is poised for growth, the correctional services division will experience budget reductions, including a $171,494 cut due to a vacant administrative position. Overall, the total budget for correctional services stands at approximately $135 million.

As the committee moves forward with these recommendations, the focus remains on enhancing public health and safety through strategic funding and resource allocation. The next steps will involve further discussions and approvals to ensure these critical services are adequately supported.