Oregon Health Authority: Provider Matters (Oregon Health Plan provider bulletin) · June 12, 2026 · Primary source
Update on Oregon Health Authority (OHA) policy changes for board-registered behavioral health associates
Summary
The Oregon Health Authority issued a June 12, 2026 provider update announcing that OHA is finalizing rules effective July 1, 2026, that require board-registered behavioral health associates, including clinical social work associates, marriage and family therapist associates, and professional counselor associates, to either obtain licensure or work within an agency holding an OHA-issued Certificate of Approval (COA) to render and bill for Medicaid-covered services. The rule filing date is July 1, 2026, but the requirement itself takes effect July 1, 2027, providing a one-year transition period. The update also includes several recent OAR amendments covering hospital non-participating provider reimbursement, dental periodicity scheduling for EPSDT, DRG hospital assessment rates, DME bundling, and Medicaid pharmaceutical prior authorization criteria.
What this may mean
Beginning July 1, 2027, unlicensed board-registered behavioral health associates who are not employed by a COA-holding agency will be ineligible to render or bill for OHP Medicaid-covered services under OAR 410-172-0660. Behavioral health organizations in Oregon that employ associates must either support licensure for those staff or obtain a COA from OHA before the compliance deadline.
Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.
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