HB 3221
Prohibits a person or government entity that is not registered with the Oregon Health Authority from using a business or trade name with the terms "urgent" or "urgent care" or from holding itself out using the terms "urgent" or "urgent care" in any external sign or advertisement.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
86%
Oppose
14%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes regulations for urgent care centers in Oregon. It requires any facility offering urgent care services to register with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and meet specific standards. The bill prohibits businesses from using terms like "urgent" or "urgent care" if they are not registered with OHA, and it mandates that registered centers provide certain information to the public and patients. Furthermore, it directs OHA to study incentives for urgent care centers to accept all patients regardless of their insurance coverage.
Key provisions
- Requires urgent care centers to register with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
- Prohibits unregistered entities from using "urgent" or "urgent care" in their names or advertising.
- Establishes minimum health service capabilities that registered urgent care centers must provide.
- Mandates that registered urgent care centers provide clinical summaries and patient notes.
- Requires urgent care centers to post specific information near their entrances.
- Directs OHA to create a public website with information on registered urgent care centers.
- Requires OHA to study incentives for urgent care centers to accept all patients.
- Establishes procedures for filing complaints against urgent care centers.
Who is affected
- Oregon Health Authority
- Urgent care centers
- Healthcare providers
- Patients
- Healthcare facilities
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the need for clarity and transparency in defining and advertising urgent care centers, citing frustration and stress caused by lack of standardization. They believe that establishing clear definitions and standards will improve access to non-emergent healthcare, reduce wait times in Oregon's hospital emergency rooms, and address long-standing concerns about the quality of care provided by these facilities. Additionally, proponents highlight the need for minimum standards to ensure safe and effective care, particularly given the shortage of primary care providers in Oregon due to office closures and corporate consolidation. By standardizing urgent care clinics, supporters argue that consumers will be better informed about the level of care they can expect, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing stress on the healthcare system.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3221 express concerns that the proposed legislation's simplified approach to patient information may inadvertently lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced access to care for vulnerable populations. They argue that the current draft fails to adequately address these issues, prioritizing efficiency over affordability and equity. Testifiers also contend that the bill's provisions on provider reimbursement and insurance coverage will disproportionately burden small practices and rural communities, exacerbating existing health disparities.