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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: Amanda Parish at, 503-383-8142 (voice/text) or amanda.b.parish@oha.oregon.gov. All relay calls are accepted.

Current Focus

In 2023 the MHCAG will continue work on developing clinical guidance documents related to anxiety disorders.

Seeking Members

OHA maintains a list of those interested in becoming members of MHCAG and reaches out to those who have expressed interest when vacancies occur. Please email Amanda Parish, MHCAG Coordinator at: amanda.b.parish@oha.oregon.gov to express interest in future vacancies.

OHA is currently recruiting applicants from diverse backgrounds for membership to the MHCAG. OHA is committed to eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030 and applicants who share this commitment are invited to apply. 

We have immediate openings for the following:

  • 1 clinical psychologist
  • 1 pharmacist

Individuals interested in applying for immediate membership vacancies should complete the MHCAG application and email it to OHA Pharmacy.

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:Pharmacy Program

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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: