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2021 Oregon Legislative Update

OR-ACEP 2021 Session Wins Summary

For a more detailed description, see our larger summary

Wins on fair reimbursement, injury prevention and health equity represent wins for emergency physicians and the communities they serve.

• Out-of-network (surprise) balance billing: HB 2042 fails to advance in a big win for emergency physicians. Reimbursement will default to the methodology in the federal “No Surprises Act,” which includes an independent dispute resolution process. OR-ACEP strongly advocated for this outcome. EMTALA requirements and the state ban on balance billing have uniquely disadvantaged emergency medicine. OR-ACEP emergency medicine groups have reported reductions in contracts between 8 percent and 47 percent since March of 2018. This bill will level the playing field in contract negotiations and help to preserve the patient safety net, especially in rural areas.
• Safe storage for guns: OR-ACEP supported SB 554, a landmark bill to keep guns out of the hands of kids and to prevent unintentional injury and death. 
• CAWEM coverage for End Stage Renal Disease (ERSD) dialysis patients: Funding in the OHA budget bill will provide life-saving scheduled dialysis treatment for undocumented patients who otherwise must wait until their condition lands them in the ED. This coverage, combined with Cover All People (HB 3352) will help provide access to critical health services for Oregon’s uninsured population.