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Oregon Health Authority

Mental Health Clinical Advisory Group

The Mental Health Clinical Advisory Group (MHCAG) was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2017.

The MHCAG is required by statute to “develop evidence-based algorithms for mental health treatments, including treatments with mental health drugs.” Additionally, MHCAG must provide recommendations to the Oregon Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee and to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on:

  • The implementation of evidence-based algorithms;
  • Any changes needed to the preferred drug list used by the Authority;
  • Practice guidelines for the treatment of mental health disorders; and
  • Coordinating the work of the group with an entity that offers a psychiatric advice hotline (the Oregon Psychiatric Access Line).

All MHCAG recommendations are posted to this website within 30 days of approval by the membership.

OHA welcomes all participants. If you have any questions about accommodations or need any assistance to participate, please call or email: Andrew Gibler, PharmD, at 503-878-1395 (voice/text) or andrew.n.gibler@oha.oregon.gov. All relay calls are accepted.

Current Focus

In 2024 the MHCAG will work on developing clinical guidance documents related to movement disorders, sleep disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Seeking Members

OHA continuously accepts applications for the MHCAG Committee. Generally, OHA evaluates applications no later than October each year for the upcoming year’s vacancies on the committee. This year we are asking for applicants who wish to be considered for appointment or reappointment to submit their application no later than midnight, October 8, 2024. Please email Andrew Gibler, PharmD, at: andrew.n.gibler@oha.oregon.gov to express interest in future vacancies.

The MHCAG has upcoming vacancies for the following:

  • Pharmacist with experience working in long-term care facilities and with patients with special needs
  • Psychiatric nurse practitioner with prescribing privileges
  • A consumer of mental health services

MHCAG Membership Application packet 

About MHCAG Meetings

  • All meetings are conducted virtually. There are no in-person meetings.
  • Each meeting has a short public comment/testimony period. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes each.
  • Each speaker must return a completed and signed public comment form directly after the conclusion of the meeting.

 Upcoming Meetings

 

Next Meetings

Questions?

Contact: 

Andrew N. Gibler, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Policy & Programs Manager
503-878-1395


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Legislative Reports

The MHCAG is required to produce a legislative report each year. An executive summary of that report is sent to the legislature by December 31st each year. The following are the past and current legislative reports for the MHCAG: