Oregon subcommittee holds public hearing on MHRA budget; agencies ask for $625,000 to replace licensing system

The Oregon Legislative Education Subcommittee opened a public hearing Wednesday, Feb. 19, on Senate Bill 5532, the governor's budget request for the Mental Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA), hearing agency staff describe rising licensing volume, increased complaint investigations and requests for one-time and ongoing funding to replace a problematic licensing vendor and add staff.

The hearing matters because MHRA regulates psychologists and licensed professional counselors and therapists who provide mental health services across Oregon; agency leaders told the subcommittee that continued growth in licensees and investigations is straining current staffing and technology, and that the governor's recommended packages aim to preserve consumer protection and improve customer service.

Kendra Beck of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Chief Financial Office gave the committee an overview of the governor's recommended budget, saying the request would fund two additional permanent positions and the reclassification of two existing positions to address workload. "The governor's recommended budget includes 2 additional positions and the reclassification of 2 existing positions to address the increased workload," Beck said.

Todd Yunkin, executive director of the Mental Health Regulatory Agency, and Lorice Stashek, MHRA policy advisor, described the agency's role and recent trends. MHRA oversees two boards: the Board of Licensed…