 |
| OHLA Addresses Diverse Issues with Common Mission: Consumer Protection |
|
The Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) addresses diverse regulatory issues and is involved in a wide range of activities to put qualified Oregonians to work while protecting Oregon consumers.
OHLA accomplishes its consumer protection mission spanning nearly 20 different health and related professions in collaboration with 10 volunteer citizen boards and councils that provide profession-specific expertise and consumer viewpoints.
Here's a quick snapshot showing the variety of recent agency issues and activities:
|
| Cosmetology Applicants Go "Old School" as OHLA Tightens Exam Security |
|
Due to concerns over examination security, OHLA has temporarily discontinued touch-screen computer testing for Board of Cosmetology applicants.
Applicants are now taking the cosmetology written examination in paper and pencil format in a proctored setting until the agency restores a secure electronic format.
Applicants who pass the examination and pay related fees can expect to receive certification in 10 to 14 business days. Previously with computer touch-screen testing, OHLA offered same-day licensing.
“Same-day licensing is obviously a wonderful benefit of touch-screen testing, but ensuring the integrity of the examination is our priority at this point,” says OHLA director Randy Everitt. “We will do everything in our power to restore same-day licensing while taking the necessary steps to prevent future security issues.”
|
| Home Births: November 7 Event to Address Health, Safety Issues |
|
OHLA and the Board of Direct Entry Midwifery have scheduled a special outreach event in Portland on Saturday, November 7, to address health and safety issues related to home births.
Key topics to be addressed include informed consent, peer review and issues related to mother and baby transport to hospitals under certain conditions specified in state midwifery regulations.
Licensure for midwives is voluntary in Oregon. Approximately 50 individuals are licensed in the state and at least that many are unlicensed. Oregon law requires licensed midwives to obtain education and training and follow health and safety requirements established to protect both mothers and babies.
“We encourage anyone interested in health and safety issues related to home births to attend,” says OHLA Director Randy Everitt. “We want to ensure an open dialogue and thorough discussion on this very important topic.”
The outreach event will be held from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (with a one-hour break for lunch) at the Monarch Hotel just off Interstate 205 at Sunnyside Road and Sunnybrook Blvd.
For more information, please contact OHLA Policy Analyst Samie Patnode at 503-373-1917 or samie.patnode@state.or.us.
|
| Specialists Must Provide Copies of "Free" Hearing Tests for Free |
|
OHLA and the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids expect that if a hearing aid specialist advertises or promotes "free" hearing tests, the specialist must provide a copy of the hearing test (known as an audiogram) to the consumer for free.
OHLA and the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids adopted a position statement on October 2 based on the opinion that the practice of advertising "free" hearing tests, then requiring the consumer to pay a fee for a copy of the audiogram, constitutes a misleading practice not in the best interest of consumers.
The position does not prevent hearing aid specialists from charging professional fees for hearing tests.
Click here to view the full position statement.
|
| Agency Outreach and Training Connects with Diverse Audiences |
|
-
Following up on a successful collaboration in April with organizers of Oregon Ink in Eugene, OHLA partnered with the Portland Tattoo Expo October 9-11 to conduct inspections of the hundreds of tattoo artist and body piercing booths on hand and provide thousands of consumers with education and buttons stating "Think Before You Ink" and "Get the Facts on Tats."
-
Besides training the trainers, preceptor training for the administrator-in-training (AIT) program of the Nursing Home Administrators Board (NHAB) on September 9 provided an opportunity for OHLA to learn more about a key program of the agency's newest regulated profession. Preceptors are experienced nursing home administrators who mentor candidates for licensure with on-the-job training.
-
Sex Offender Treatment Board member Dr. Stephen Mussack gave a presentation on August 6 to the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) to assist the commission in evaluating reported misconduct and behaviors that involve alleged inappropriate touching, talking about sexual matters, texting students, off-duty contact with students and other issues of concern.
|
| OHLA Closed Friday 10/16, First of Scheduled Furlough Days |
|
Starting last Friday, October 16, OHLA is closed on 10 furlough days through May 2011 as part of state government efforts to reduce costs. State employees will take unpaid days off on these scheduled days. Please plan any business with OHLA accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Click here for more information and to view agency furlough closure days.
|
| Visit OHLA Web Site at www.oregon.gov/OHLA |
|
OHLA's Web site at www.oregon.gov/OHLA offers numerous features and extensive content for licensees, consumers and other agency stakeholders.
Licensees can renew online, download applications and learn about new licensing and regulatory developments. Consumers can access public education campaign materials and other helpful resources.
|
| Licensing Line Reader Feedback |
|
Comments, questions and suggestions on the issues we cover are appreciated. Contact OHLA Public Information Officer Kraig Bohot at kraig.bohot@state.or.us or call 503-373-1939.
|
|