July 2, 2013 - After nearly three decades of school-based health centers (SBHCs) operating in Oregon, the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2445, establishing SBHCs in statute and appropriating additional funds for continued expansion of centers and services.
As we look to strengthen our education and health care sectors, this bill helps build on the delivery of care, the quality of care, and the coordination of care where the kids are-in school. The bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to run the SBHC program, creating rules and utilizing workgroups and other organizations to help expand resources and build value in this investment. Specifically, HB2445:
- Creates a state-authorized program for school-based health centers
- Establishes rule-making, procedures and certification process for the program
- Appropriates an additional $4 million to strengthen existing SBHCs and for the expansion of centers and services
- Creates an incentive funding pool to maximize patient-centered primary care home status, improve care coordination and service delivery in SBHCs
- Outlines a work group to develop recommendations to optimize effective and efficient use of SBHCs, care coordination and reimbursement
Passage of the bill demonstrates the value that SBHCs bring to the heart of their communities:
- Unparalleled primary care, mental health, and oral health services in one location throughout the school year;
- Evidenced-based prevention practices that reach diverse populations;
- Improved student health and academic success; and
- Uniquely qualified child and teen-focused providers.
Representative Nathanson said "The State and Counties have had a relationship with School-Based Health Centers since the 1980s. It's never been codified really. It is time now to provide the statutory framework and the legislative direction to ensure coordination as transformation in both health care and education unfolds. This recognizes the School-Based Health Centers as an integral part of the health care system and also in helping students succeed. "
The Oregon School-Based Health Care Network (OSBHCN) was the lead organization advocating for HB2445. The bill, with strong bipartisan support, was sponsored by Representative Nathanson, passing in the House 54 to 6. Senator Steiner-Hayward carried it to the Senate with a strong 25 to 4 vote. The bill will now go to Governor Kitzhaber's desk to be signed.
OSBHCN Executive Director Paula Hester says, "We are celebrating many things today: the overwhelming support of the legislature to expand SBHC services, and the statutory standing of the SBHC system; but primarily we are celebrating the future of kids and teens across the state.
"SBHCs are a most interesting intersection of health and education-where providers help build the confidence of youth to understand and take charge of their own health. And we've seen how this impacts their willingness to take better care of themselves, their families and their peers. Healthy kids and teens are more likely to show up for class and to learn. When these elements combine, lives are forever changed for the good."
OSBHCN would like to thank everyone in involved making HB2445 possible including bill sponsor Representative Nathanson, and all other legislative supports - Representatives Buckley, Hoyle, Keny-Guyer and Reardon, and Senator Steiner Hayward. Thank you to community member Bill Thomas and all of the School-Based Health Center community. Finally, we extend a special thanks to NW Grassroots and Communications for all of their dedication to this work at the Oregon State Capitol.
OSBHCN promotes the health and academic success of children and youth, helping all children and youth across the state to be healthy, learning, and thriving.
