PORTLAND, Ore.—(August 15, 2017)—The Oregon Medical Association, Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association, Oregon Council of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and American Psychiatric Association stand together to thank Oregon Governor Kate Brown for her decision to veto House Bill 3355. Her decision helps safeguard Oregon’s most vulnerable patients.
The four organizations also stand with the proponents of the bill who are concerned, rightly, about access to mental healthcare for Oregonians, particularly in rural areas. While we firmly believe that HB 3355 was not the safe answer to the dilemma, we look forward to working with our psychologist colleagues, legislators and key stakeholders, including youth, families and consumers, to develop real reforms—reforms that protect all patients equally.
Opponents and proponents of HB 3355 may not agree on the policy of this bill, but we do share a commitment to improving and investing in Oregon’s behavioral health system so that all patients in the mental health arena have access to high-quality care.
The Oregon Medical Association is an organization of over 8,000 physicians, physician assistants, medical and physician assistant students organized to serve and support physicians in their efforts to improve the health of Oregonians. Additional information is available at theoma.org.
