HB 4083
Requires the Oregon Health Authority to, no later than June 30, 2027, adopt a uniform process for credentialing behavioral health providers and select an existing electronic credentialing system.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Governor Tina Kotek for Office of the Governor)
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
20%
Oppose
80%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create a standardized process for credentialing behavioral health providers and select an existing electronic credentialing system. It prohibits coordinated care organizations from imposing additional credentialing requirements on providers and mandates the use of the chosen system by July 1, 2027. The bill also allows certain licensed behavioral health providers to supervise others with different licenses and requires OHA to minimize administrative burdens for medical assistance recipients, reporting biennially to the Governor and Legislative Assembly. Finally, it updates rules regarding the Mental Health Regulatory Agency and the process for licensing social workers.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Governor Tina Kotek for Office of the Governor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the need for streamlined credentialing processes to address the behavioral health workforce crisis in Oregon, citing significant obstacles faced by mental health providers due to complex forms and denial rates. They argue that reducing administrative burdens will help increase access to services for underserved populations, particularly those with limited mobility or resources. By modernizing and expanding supervisory capacity, supporters aim to recruit and retain qualified staff in the state's behavioral health safety net, ultimately improving quality of life and reducing economic costs associated with delayed care.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 4083 express concerns about the proposed merger of the Board of Licensed Social Workers into the Mental Health Regulatory Agency and the expansion of supervision authority to include other mental health professionals. They fear that this may compromise social work's unique profession, ethical framework, and distinct skills and knowledge required for practice. Many that allowing clinical social workers to be supervised by counselors, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists would undermine their professional ethics and social justice framework. Some argue that the bill neglects the diverse range of professionals providing mental health services in Oregon and fails to recognize the distinct roles of social workers, LMFTs, and LPCs. Others express concerns about the potential impact on professional integrity, licensure processes, and the burden on social workers who choose to provide mental health services.
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.