Amendment to SB 739 would set faster investigations and require family notifications after serious incidents

Sen. Gelser Bluen opened consideration of the dash‑3 amendment to Senate Bill 739 March 18 and asked committee staff to present the replacement text; staff summarized the amendment as a rewrite that focuses on enforcement, investigation timelines, administrator requirements and family notification.

Committee staff said the dash‑3 "modifies the requirements and procedures for the Department of Human Services to enforce regulations and investigate reported licensing violations and other deficiencies" and would require on‑site complaint investigations "within 24 hours or before the end of the next business day" if a complaint alleges a licensing violation that results in death or serious physical injury. The amendment would also require ODHS to issue memory‑care endorsements only to experienced applicants and to collect contact information for people who should be notified about regulatory actions.

Context and intent: Chair Gelser Bluen said the amendment stems from recommendations that followed the Mount Hood…