The final CCO implementation proposal has been delivered to the Oregon Legislature for consideration during the February session. If approved, Oregon will apply for required permissions and waivers from federal authorities in March. With federal approval, the first CCOs could begin enrolling members in July, 2012.

Read the final CCO implementation proposal

Learn more about Coodinated Care Organizations

This week I want to provide you with a quick update on the February legislative session as it relates to our work.

The session got off to a quick start this week as the implementation proposal for Coordinated Care Organizations was before the Senate health care committee. Things will move quickly during this short session. You can see the implementation proposal as well as a two-page fact sheet at health.oregon.gov.

The art of public service is doing what is best for your clients while being as efficient as possible. Recently, transportation staff at Oregon State Hospital's Portland (POSH) campus took this art to the next level with a common sense solution that has both improved patient care and saved time and money.

Although more than 50 miles from the hospital's main campus in Salem, Portland's staff rely on the larger campus for a variety of medical services, such as dermatology, eye exams and, most frequently, dental appointments.

Asthma attacks used to send Malik Wilkerson to the emergency room once or twice a month. But the coordinated care he received from his primary care team helped bring his disease under control.

Certified medical assistant Paula Williams wears many hats at Portland's Northeast Health Center. She helps ensure the best coordination of care, keeping her young patients from going to the emergency room unnecessarily and gaining the trust of their parents.