Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed legislation to reduce administrative barriers for behavioral health workers after the measure passed the state House and Senate with bipartisan support.
The law requires a centralized credentialing platform for behavioral health providers, a step intended to reduce wait times for clinicians ready to deliver care, according to a March 5 news release from the governor’s office.
It also aims to reduce administrative requirements tied to provider burnout and expand access to master’s degree-level clinical supervision by allowing qualified licensed professionals to supervise across license types.
The legislation stems from the work of the Governor’s Behavioral Health Talent Council, chaired by first lady Aimee Wilson.
The council released a final report last month outlining 17 action plans and 74 strategies to strengthen Oregon’s behavioral health workforce. Gov. Kotek will review the recommendations and determine next steps to advance them through executive action, legislation or agency directives.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.