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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 2025, the MHCAG has published new guidance for Treatment of PTSD, Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia, updated clozapine monitoring guidance. The MHCAG is currently working on guidance for clozapine dosing and how to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults.

Seeking Members

OHA continuously accepts applications for the MHCAG. Generally, OHA evaluates applications no later than 60 days prior to each upcoming vacancy. 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:

  • A member of a federally recognized Oregon Indian tribe (currently open)
  • A pharmacist (seat open 2/1/2026)
  • An individual representing a statewide mental health advocacy organization for children and adults with mental illness, who has experience as a consumer of mental health services or as a family member of a consumer of mental health services (seat open 2/1/2026)

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: