The proposed policy seeks to force associates to work exclusively in Community Mental Health Agencies (CMHAs), such as county-operated or hospital-based programs. This move not only restricts employment options for associates but also risks disrupting the quality and continuity of care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members.
The proposed policy seeks to force associates to work exclusively in Community Mental Health Agencies (CMHAs), such as county-operated or hospital-based programs. This move not only restricts employment options for associates but also risks disrupting the quality and continuity of care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members.
Oregon has long struggled to provide adequate mental health care to its residents, and current administrative rules governing Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) exacerbate the problem. Specifically, Oregon Administrative Rule 410-141-3515(14)(d)(C) requires that "Routine behavioral health care for non-priority populations: Assessment within seven days of the request, with a second appointment occurring as clinically appropriate." While this rule sounds promising on paper, its implementation exposes a glaring loophole that undermines the intent of timely access to care.
