Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 944 - OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY, DRUG TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SERVICES
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 944, titled "OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY, DRUG TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SERVICES," is a crucial set of regulations governing the provision of drug treatment and recovery services in the state of Oregon. This chapter is a direct result of Ballot Measure 110 (2020) and subsequent legislation like SB 755 (2021), which significantly reshaped Oregon's approach to substance use disorder.
The core purpose of OAR Chapter 944 is to establish the framework for a health-focused, rather than punitive, system for addressing substance use. It primarily focuses on the creation and operation of Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) and the distribution of funds for drug treatment and recovery services.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects typically covered in OAR Chapter 944:
Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) (Division 1 & 10):
Purpose and Formation: These divisions define the purpose of BHRNs, which are designed to increase access to community-based care for individuals with substance use disorders. They outline the requirements for the formation, implementation, and operation of these networks across counties or regions.
Operational, Policy, and Service Requirements: This includes detailed mandates for the services BHRNs must provide, such as:
24/7 Screening Services: Availability of screening by peer support specialists, certified recovery mentors, or other addiction professionals immediately upon first contact.
Comprehensive Behavioral Health Needs Assessments: Including substance use disorder assessments, provided within 24 hours of request, consistent with ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteria and DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Peer-Delivered Services: Emphasis on peer-delivered outreach, supports, mentoring, and recovery services.
Harm Reduction Services: Provision of harm reduction information and education, including referrals for testing (Hepatitis, HIV, STIs, COVID-19, TB) and counseling for injection drug users, especially pregnant individuals.
Low-Barrier Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Ensuring accessible and immediate referrals or information to reduce adverse health effects, promote health, and reduce overdose risk.
Transitional and Supportive Housing: Rules related to providing housing support for individuals in recovery.
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive/Specific Services: Requirements for providing services that are sensitive and appropriate for diverse cultural communities.
Staffing Requirements: Mandates for adequate staffing, including certified alcohol and drug counselors and case managers.
Partnerships and Referral Pathways: Requirements for BHRNs to maintain partnerships and clear referral pathways to essential services like employment, education, family counseling, childcare, and public benefits.
Drug Treatment and Recovery Services Fund (DTRSF) Grants (Division 20):
This division outlines the criteria and procedures for distributing grants and funding to establish and operate BHRNs and expand access to care as mandated by Ballot Measure 110.
Data Collection and Reporting (e.g., OAR 944-001-0040):
Requirements for BHRNs and grant recipients to collect and report financial data, client demographics, and service outcomes. This includes data on the number of clients served, duration of participation, reasons for service denials, average time to access services, and demographic information.
Essentially, OAR Chapter 944 represents Oregon's commitment to a public health model for addressing substance use disorders. It aims to create a robust, accessible, and comprehensive system of care that emphasizes early intervention, harm reduction, and recovery support, moving away from a solely criminal justice-focused approach. The Oregon Health Authority's Health Systems Division is responsible for administering and enforcing these rules.
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