The Oregon Patient Safety Commission is accepting public comment through June 17, on its 2015-2017 biennium budget, which includes the first fee increase since the commission was created in 2003.
“In all this time we have never adjusted these fees,” said Bethany A. Walmsley, the commission’s executive director. “It was time.”
Large hospitals and pharmacies with more than 20 locations will see the largest increase with other licensed facilities seeing smaller hikes or no change, according to the commission’s fee change information sheet.
Ambulatory surgery center will see fees rise from $850 to $975, small hospitals from $1,000 to $1,150, medium-sized hospitals from $3,500 to $4,000 and large hospitals from $8,500 to $9,750.
Nursing home fees will rise from $700 to $800. Pharmacies with less than 20 locations will go from $150 to $200, and pharmacies with more than 20 locations will see their fees rise from $150 to $475.
No changes are slated for renal dialysis centers which pay $750.
“We have also worked with other member associations and organizations who represent the licensed facilities affected to help get the word out,” Walmsley said.
Those interested in making a comment on these fee increases can:
- Attend a public hearing on June 17 at 10:00am at the Oregon Patient Safety Commission (2501 SW 1st Avenue, Portland, OR, Suite 200, 97201),
- Email: [email protected], or
- Mail: Oregon Patient Safety Commission, P.O. Box 285, Portland, Oregon 97204
Jan can be reached at [email protected].
