Overview
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is revising Medicaid rules related to how board-registered associates who work in behavioral health – clinical social work associates, board-registered marriage and family therapist associates, and board-registered professional counselor associates – can provide and bill for Medicaid-covered services. If implemented, this policy change would affect all behavioral health associates working in Oregon.
As OHA considers making this change, it is conducting rigorous public vetting and offering community partners, providers, and Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members opportunities to provide feedback that will inform potential next steps.
For the time being, many existing behavioral health associates can continue following current policies regarding rendering and billing behavioral health services under the supervision of a board-approved licensed supervisor. However, each coordinated care organization (CCO) has some flexibility and can implement changes to its own network, including requiring board-registered behavioral health associates within its network to work for a COA-holding agency.
Community Engagement
OHA values opportunities to partner with behavioral health providers and community members so we can collectively ensure that everyone in Oregon can consistently access high-quality care across the state.
OHA is currently reviewing feedback it received about this topic through a survey of behavioral health providers. Current and past OHP members are also invited to share their thoughts through a separate member survey.
OHP members who have used or want to use behavioral health services are especially encouraged to participate. The member survey is available until Jan. 31, 2026. It should take about 10 minutes to complete. All questions are optional, and responses are confidential. Links to English- and Spanish-language versions of the member survey are listed immediately below:
Timeline
Winter-Spring 2025-2026
OHA will develop a policy decision based on community engagement.