Updated April 16, 2021
Due to pending legislation, this page will be updated with new dates and information throughout the legislative session.
In November 2020, Oregon voters passed by referendum
Measure 110, or the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act. The measure’s goal is to establish a more health-based, equitable and effective approach to drug addiction in Oregon by shifting the response to drug possession from criminalization to treatment and recovery.
Multiple criminal sentencing laws regulating the possession of controlled substances will change from felonies to violations, and offenders will be given the resources to treat their addictions and recover. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is required to establish all health aspects of the Act:
- A Treatment and Recovery Services fund, financed with marijuana revenues, which will support new Addiction Recovery Centers and Community Access to Care grants.
- Fifteen 24/7/365 Addiction Recovery Centers throughout the state by Oct. 1, 2021.
- A grants program that will support the Addiction Recovery Centers.
- A second grant program will support increased access to community-based services.
- An
Oversight and Accountability Council by Feb. 1, 2021, which will oversee the distribution of the grants. OHA will provide technical, logistical and all other necessary supports to the council.
- A 24/7 Telephone Addiction Recovery Center by Feb. 1, 2021.
Addiction Recovery Centers and grants
The 24/7/365 Addiction Recovery Centers required by Oct. 1, 2021 can be a network of existing qualified providers. A grants program will pay for the treatment and recovery services.
The OAC will establish rules for both the A.R.C.'s and the Access to Care Grants.
OHA, in coordination with the OAC, has posted a Request for Grant Proposals for the 2019-2021 biennium. See the RFGP announcement here.
These funds will support increased access to low-barrier treatment, housing, peer support services and harm reduction services, in the short term. The OAC will continue to work on rules and funding streams for the 2021-2023 biennium.
Funding for the grants will come from marijuana revenue transfer and law enforcement savings from reduced arrest and adjudication of drug offenses. Those funds will be transferred into the Treatment and Recovery Services fund by the end of each fiscal year.
Implementation areas to be addressed
Funding: The funding source specified in the bill is marijuana tax taken from the Mental Health, Alcoholism and Drug Services account. These funds are currently used to pay for non-Medicaid behavioral health services through the County Financial Assistance Agreements. Shifting these funds requires backfilling with general fund dollars so existing services and service providers can remain effective.
Services: The OAC has the authority to design the rules and array of services covered within the scope of the measure and will deliberate these during the summer of 2021.
Workforce: Addiction Recovery Centers are meant to offer services 24/7/365. Trained credentialed workers will be required for assessments. We currently have a severe shortage in our behavioral health workforce. OHA proposed investments in the workforce for the 2021 budget, which are included in the Governor’s Recommended Budget. It will take time, however, to solve the workforce issue.
Oversight and Accountability Council
The Oversight and Accountability Council oversees the implementation of Addiction Recovery Centers and Access to Care grants. The council has 22 members from across the state who represent diverse communities. The council meets every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Meeting agendas and links to YouTube broadcasts are on the OAC web page.