Chapter 443 — Residential Care; Adult Foster Homes; Hospice Programs

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

RESIDENTIAL CARE; FOSTER HOMES; HOSPICES

 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

 

QUALITY CARE

 

443.001     Quality Care Fund; rules

 

443.002     Providers with multiple facilities

 

443.004     Criminal records check required for employees and volunteers providing direct care; exceptions; rules

 

443.006     Criminal background check registry; rules

 

443.007     Disqualification of individuals found to have committed abuse; rules

 

443.008     Fitness determinations; rules

 

443.011     Training requirements for in-home care service providers; rules

 

443.012     Disease outbreak and infection control training and protocols; rules

 

443.013     Complaint procedures; disclosure of information obtained during investigation; rules

 

HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

 

443.014     Definitions for ORS 443.014 to 443.105

 

443.015     License required; renewal, transferability of license

 

443.019     Requirement for in-person site inspection

 

443.025     Hospitals exempt from certain requirements if standards are met

 

443.035     License fees; renewal; disposition of funds

 

443.045     Denial, suspension and revocation of licenses; penalties

 

443.055     Governing body of home health agencies

 

443.065     General requirements for home health agencies

 

443.075     Services and supplies prescribed by physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner

 

443.085     Home health services; rules

 

443.090     Exemption from in-home care agency licensing requirements

 

443.095     Applicability of laws to domestic service

 

443.100     License required for caregiver registry

 

443.105     Caregiver registries; rules

 

DOMICILIARY CARE FACILITIES

 

443.205     Definitions for ORS 443.215 and 443.225

 

443.215     Policy

 

443.225     Location and capacity of domiciliary care facilities

 

IN-HOME CARE AGENCIES

 

443.305     Definitions for ORS 443.305 to 443.350

 

443.315     License required; application; rules; fees

 

443.325     Grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of license; penalties

 

443.327     Injunctive relief; attorney fees and costs; notice to clients

 

443.340     Rules

 

443.345     Disposition of moneys

 

443.350     Applicability

 

LONG TERM CARE REFERRAL

 

443.370     Definitions for ORS 443.370 to 443.376

 

443.373     Registration to provide long term care referrals; rules; fee

 

443.376     Duties of referral agents; violation as unlawful practice

 

HOUSING WITH SERVICES PROJECTS

 

443.378     Housing with services projects

 

RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES OMBUDSMAN

 

443.380     Definitions for ORS 443.380 to 443.394

 

443.382     Residential Facilities Ombudsman; duties

 

443.384     Agencies to provide information and support

 

443.386     Designees of ombudsman; training; contract

 

443.388     Authority of ombudsman and designees; confidentiality agreements

 

443.390     Complaints

 

443.392     Notice of complaint procedures; posting requirement

 

443.394     Procedures to maintain confidentiality

 

443.396     Gifts, grants and donations

 

RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND HOMES

 

443.400     Definitions for ORS 443.400 to 443.455

 

443.405     Exclusions from definition of “residential facility”

 

443.410     Single license required

 

443.415     License applications; fee; investigations; grounds for issuance and denial of license

 

443.416     Inspection of facilities

 

443.417     Annual kitchen inspection; fees

 

443.419     License revocations, suspensions or conditions; rules

 

443.420     Qualifications for license

 

443.421     Revocation and suspension of licenses; procedure

 

443.422     Siting of licensed residential facilities

 

443.424     Expansion of capacity of residential care facilities and adult foster homes; reports to Legislative Assembly

 

443.425     License term; contents; renewal; fee

 

443.430     Transferability of license; disposition of license fees

 

443.431     Conversion facilities; fee; rules

 

443.432     Acuity-based staffing tool

 

443.433     Direct care staff training in dementia care; rules

 

443.434     Staffing data

 

443.436     Enhanced oversight and supervision program

 

443.439     Increases in compensation of direct support professionals; legislative intent

 

443.441     Assessment of sufficient numbers of direct care staff; complaint investigations

 

443.443     Information provided upon application for admission

 

443.444     Information provided upon admission

 

443.445     Persons admissible at facilities and homes; transfer of persons requiring certain treatment; operation of facilities by persons relying on spiritual means for healing

 

443.446     Residential Care Quality Measurement Program

 

443.447     Quality Measurement Council

 

443.448     Choice of prescription and nonprescription drugs and supplies

 

443.449     Prescription drug packaging

 

443.450     Rules

 

443.452     Waiver procedure

 

443.453     Interference with employee or volunteer disclosure of information concerning practice that threatens health or safety of residents prohibited

 

443.454     Provision of opioid overdose reversal medication upon discharge, release or transfer of resident from facility where resident received addiction treatment

 

443.455     Civil penalties; rules

 

443.460     Exemptions

 

443.465     Secure residential treatment homes and facilities; rules

 

REGISTERED COMMUNITY-BASED STRUCTURED HOUSING FACILITIES

 

443.480     Definitions for ORS 443.480 to 443.500

 

443.485     Registration required; fee; rules; civil penalty; grounds for suspension or revocation of registration

 

443.490     Waiver of registration

 

443.495     Exemptions

 

443.500     Investigation of registered facilities; access to facilities

 

CERTIFICATION OF HOME OR COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES CAREGIVERS

 

443.515     Training requirements for certification of home or community-based services caregivers; employer verification required; rules

 

443.517     Online home or community-based services caregiver registry

 

ADULT FOSTER HOMES

 

443.705     Definitions for ORS 443.705 to 443.825

 

443.715     Exclusions from definition of “adult foster home”

 

443.720     Findings of Legislative Assembly

 

443.725     License required; on-site provider required; exception; rules

 

443.730     Information regarding substitute caregivers required; standards; educational requirements; rules

 

443.733     Collective bargaining

 

443.734     Adult foster home license classifications; rules

 

443.735     Issuance of license; fee; standards; renewal; burden of proof; rules

 

443.738     Educational standards for providers, managers and caregivers; rules; exception; duties of providers

 

443.739     Rights of residents

 

443.740     Information on licensed adult foster homes; availability; content

 

443.742     Annual continuing education requirements; rules

 

443.743     Training in dementia care

 

443.745     Denial, suspension or revocation; conditional license; review

 

443.755     Entry and inspection of homes; access to residents; inspection report; fire inspection

 

443.760     Application of single family dwelling code requirements to home; rules; evacuation requirement; lease rate

 

443.762     Information provided upon admission

 

443.765     Complaint procedure; retaliation prohibited; notice of rates and rules; liability for complaints

 

443.766     Interference with employee or volunteer disclosure of information concerning practice that threatens health or safety of residents prohibited

 

443.767     Investigation of complaint; rules

 

443.769     Public disclosure of investigatory information

 

443.775     Rules; level of care; exception to limit on residents with nursing care needs; reports on exceptions; provider duties; enforcement; civil penalties

 

443.777     Prescription drug packaging

 

443.780     Exemption where county has licensing and inspection program

 

443.785     Admission of Medicaid recipients

 

443.790     Authority to impose civil penalty; factors to be considered; rules

 

443.795     Civil penalty; notice; hearing

 

443.815     Judicial review of penalties

 

443.825     Disposition of penalties recovered

 

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CHILD FOSTER HOMES

 

443.830     Definitions for ORS 443.830 and 443.835

 

443.835     Certificate required; rules

 

443.836     Department of Human Services approval required for parent or guardian of resident to attend resident or for residents 18 to 26 years of age to continue to reside in developmental disability child foster home; rules

 

HOSPICE PROGRAMS

 

443.850     Definitions for ORS 443.850 to 443.869

 

443.860     License required; rules; fees

 

443.861     Moneys to be deposited to Public Health Account

 

443.864     Suspension, revocation or denial of license

 

443.867     In-home care agency license not required for licensed hospice program to provide palliative care

 

443.869     Civil penalties

 

RESIDENT PROTECTIONS

 

443.875     Notice of substantiated abuse

 

443.878     Psychotropic medications; rules

 

443.880     Responsibilities of residential facility regarding property of resident

 

443.881     Transfer of property; undue influence

 

MEMORY CARE

 

443.886     Memory care endorsement required; standards; fees; rules

 

443.887     Definitions

 

443.889     Use of acuity-based staffing tool; assessment of staffing levels; fines, penalties or conditions; rules

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

443.895     Exemption from ad valorem property taxation for certain facilities; certification

 

(Temporary provisions relating to exemption from automatic sprinkler system requirement for certain residential training homes and adult foster homes are compiled as notes following ORS 443.895)

 

PENALTIES

 

443.991     Penalties

 

QUALITY CARE

 

      443.001 Quality Care Fund; rules. The Quality Care Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Quality Care Fund shall be credited to the Quality Care Fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority for:

      (1) Training, technical assistance, quality improvement initiatives and licensing activities to ensure that high standards for quality of care are met in accordance with rules adopted with respect to:

      (a) A long term care facility as defined in ORS 442.015;

      (b) A residential facility as defined in ORS 443.400, including but not limited to an assisted living facility; and

      (c) An adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705; and

      (2) Administering the Senior Emergency Medical Services Innovation Program established in section 1, chapter 616, Oregon Laws 2021. [2009 c.837 §1; 2009 c.828 §78; 2021 c.616 §3]

 

      Note: The amendments to 443.001 by section 4, chapter 616, Oregon Laws 2021, become operative January 2, 2027. See section 5, chapter 616, Oregon Laws 2021. The text that is operative on and after January 2, 2027, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      443.001. The Quality Care Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Quality Care Fund shall be credited to the Quality Care Fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority for training, technical assistance, quality improvement initiatives and licensing activities to ensure that high standards for quality of care are met in accordance with rules adopted with respect to:

      (1) A long term care facility as defined in ORS 442.015;

      (2) A residential facility as defined in ORS 443.400, including but not limited to an assisted living facility; and

      (3) An adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705.

 

      Note: 443.001 to 443.012 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.002 Providers with multiple facilities. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Facility” means:

      (A) A residential training facility as defined in ORS 443.400;

      (B) A residential training home as defined in ORS 443.400;

      (C) A residential treatment facility as defined in ORS 443.400;

      (D) A residential treatment home as defined in ORS 443.400; or

      (E) An adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705.

      (b) “Provider” means a person licensed or a person applying for a license to operate a facility.

      (2) The Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority may deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license of a provider if the department or authority finds that the provider operates a separate facility that is not or has not been in substantial compliance with rules adopted under ORS 443.400 to 443.455 or 443.705 to 443.825. [2009 c.418 §1; 2009 c.828 §30]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.004 Criminal records check required for employees and volunteers providing direct care; exceptions; rules. (1)(a) The Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority shall complete a criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 on:

      (A) An employee of a residential facility or an adult foster home;

      (B) Any individual who is paid directly or indirectly with public funds who has or will have contact with a recipient of support services or a resident of an adult foster home or a residential facility; and

      (C) A home care worker or personal support worker registering with the Home Care Commission or renewing a registration with the Home Care Commission.

      (b) The department or the authority shall complete the criminal records check under paragraph (a) of this subsection not more than once during an 18-month period unless the department or the authority:

      (A) Receives credible evidence of a new criminal conviction;

      (B) Receives credible evidence to substantiate a complaint of abuse or neglect;

      (C) Is required by federal law to conduct more frequent criminal records checks;

      (D) Is notified that a subject individual has changed positions or duties for which there are different criminal records check requirements; or

      (E) Determines, under criteria set forth in rules adopted by the department or the authority, that it would be burdensome for a subject individual to wait for a new criminal records check.

      (2)(a) A home health agency shall conduct a criminal background check before hiring or contracting with an individual and before allowing an individual to volunteer to provide services on behalf of the home health agency, if the individual will have direct contact with a patient of the home health agency.

      (b) An in-home care agency shall conduct a criminal background check before hiring or contracting with an individual and before allowing an individual to volunteer to provide services on behalf of the in-home care agency, if the individual will have direct contact with a client of the in-home care agency.

      (c) The authority shall prescribe by rule the process for conducting a criminal background check.

      (3) Public funds may not be used to support, in whole or in part, the employment in any capacity having contact with a recipient of support services or a resident of a residential facility or an adult foster home, of an individual, other than a mental health or substance abuse treatment provider, who has been convicted:

      (a) Of a crime described in ORS 163.095, 163.107, 163.115, 163.118, 163.125, 163.145, 163.149, 163.165, 163.175, 163.185, 163.187, 163.200, 163.205, 163.225, 163.235, 163.263, 163.264, 163.266, 163.275, 163.465, 163.467, 163.535, 163.537, 163.547, 163.689, 163.700, 163.701, 164.055, 164.057, 164.098, 164.125 (5)(c) or (d), 164.215, 164.225, 164.325, 164.377 (2) or (3), 164.405, 164.415, 165.013, 165.022, 165.032, 165.800, 165.803, 167.012, 167.017, 167.057, 167.320 or 167.322;

      (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, of a crime described in ORS 163.465, 163.467, 163.700, 163.701, 164.055, 164.125 or 164.377, the date of conviction for which was within the five years immediately preceding employment in any capacity of an individual, other than a mental health or substance abuse treatment provider, having contact with a recipient of support services, a resident of a residential facility or a resident of an adult foster home, when the recipient or resident is 65 years of age or older;

      (c) Of a crime listed in ORS 163A.005;

      (d) In the last 10 years, of a crime involving the delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance;

      (e) Of an attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit a crime described in paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection; or

      (f) Of a crime in another jurisdiction that is substantially equivalent, as defined by rule, to a crime described in paragraphs (a) to (e) of this subsection.

      (4) If the criminal background check conducted by a home health agency or in-home care agency under subsection (2) of this section reveals that the individual who is subject to the criminal background check has been convicted of any of the crimes described in subsection (3) of this section, the home health agency or in-home care agency may not employ the individual.

      (5) Public funds may not be used to support, in whole or in part, the employment, in any capacity having contact with a recipient of support services or a resident of a residential facility or an adult foster home, of a mental health or substance abuse treatment provider who has been convicted of committing, or convicted of an attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit, a crime described in ORS 163.095, 163.107, 163.115, 163.375, 163.405, 163.411 or 163.427.

      (6) Upon the request of a mental health or substance abuse treatment provider, the department or authority shall maintain a record of the results of any fitness determination made under ORS 181A.195 (10). The department or authority may disclose the record only to a person the provider specifically authorizes, by a written release, to receive the information.

      (7) If the department or authority has a record of substantiated abuse committed by an employee or potential employee of a home health agency, in-home care agency, adult foster home or residential facility, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed, the department or authority shall notify, in writing, the employer and the employee or potential employee and may conduct a fitness determination in accordance with this section and ORS 181A.195.

      (8) As used in this section:

      (a) “Adult foster home” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.705.

      (b) “Home care worker” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.600.

      (c) “Home health agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.014.

      (d) “In-home care agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.305.

      (e) “Mental health or substance abuse treatment provider” means:

      (A) A peer support specialist;

      (B) An employee of a residential treatment facility or a residential treatment home that is licensed under ORS 443.415 to provide treatment for individuals with alcohol or drug dependence;

      (C) An individual who provides treatment or services for persons with substance use disorders; or

      (D) An individual who provides mental health treatment or services.

      (f) “Peer support specialist” has the meaning given that term in ORS 414.025.

      (g) “Personal support worker” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.600.

      (h) “Residential facility” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.400. [2009 c.837 §6; 2009 c.828 §81; 2010 c.93 §§12,13; 2011 c.608 §1; 2011 c.681 §§8,9; 2012 c.70 §17; 2015 c.645 §8; 2015 c.758 §16; 2017 c.618 §6; 2018 c.75 §24; 2019 c.423 §§2,3; 2019 c.517 §§2,3; 2019 c.635 §§27,28; 2021 c.198 §2]

 

      Note: Section 42, chapter 837, Oregon Laws 2009, provides:

      Sec. 42. (1) ORS 443.004 applies to employees who are hired on or after July 28, 2009.

      (2) ORS 443.004 does not apply to an employee hired prior to July 28, 2009, who has remained with the same employer, even if the employee has been promoted or transferred to a different position with the employer since that date. [2009 c.837 §42; 2019 c.423 §4]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.005 [1977 c.738 §1; 1979 c.209 §1; 1981 c.415 §1; 2003 c.57 §1; 2009 c.595 §769; 2009 c.792 §14; 2011 c.70 §10; 2015 c.736 §90; renumbered 443.014 in 2015]

 

      443.006 Criminal background check registry; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Care” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.200.

      (b) “Facility” means:

      (A) A long term care facility as defined in ORS 442.015;

      (B) A residential care facility as defined in ORS 443.400, including but not limited to an assisted living facility; and

      (C) An adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705.

      (c) “Home care worker” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.600.

      (d) “Personal support worker” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.600.

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall augment the department’s existing criminal background check system with a regularly updated registry of all persons who work or are seeking to work to provide care.

      (3) The department shall adopt rules designating the persons who may be listed on the registry. The registry must list persons who work or are seeking to work to provide care:

      (a) In a facility; or

      (b) As a home care worker or personal support worker.

      (4) The department shall adopt rules establishing:

      (a) The information that must be reported by facilities;

      (b) The form and frequency of reporting by facilities;

      (c) Procedures and standards for the administration of the registry; and

      (d) Guidelines and procedures for requests for and release of information from the registry. [2014 c.104 §6; 2017 c.239 §1; 2018 c.75 §25]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.007 Disqualification of individuals found to have committed abuse; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Abuse” has the meaning given that term in ORS 430.735.

      (b) “Facility” means:

      (A) A residential training facility as defined in ORS 443.400; or

      (B) A residential training home as defined in ORS 443.400.

      (c) “Subject individual” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.195.

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules to specify the types of abuse that disqualify a subject individual from working at a facility and the subject individuals associated with a facility to whom the disqualification may apply.

      (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the department substantiates allegations of abuse specified under subsection (2) of this section, the subject individual found to have committed the abuse may not be hired or retained as an employee at a facility in a position that is funded in whole or in part by public funds.

      (4) A subject individual found to have committed a type of abuse specified by the department under subsection (2) of this section is not entitled to a fitness determination under ORS 181A.195. [2017 c.378 §1]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.008 Fitness determinations; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Direct care services” means services provided to clients of the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority by:

      (A) An adult foster home, as defined in ORS 443.705;

      (B) A home care worker, as defined in ORS 410.600;

      (C) A residential facility, as defined in ORS 443.400; or

      (D) A service provider as defined in ORS 427.101.

      (b) “Fitness determination” means the evaluation of whether a subject individual or other individual providing direct care services is fit to hold a position, provide direct care services or be granted a license, certification, registration or permit to provide direct care services.

      (c) “Qualified entity” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.190.

      (d) “Subject individual” means a person who is:

      (A) Employed by or who seeks to be employed by the authority or the department;

      (B) A volunteer or who seeks to be a volunteer to provide care on behalf of the authority or the department; or

      (C) Providing care or who seeks to provide care on behalf of the authority or the department.

      (2) The department and the authority shall prescribe by rule the criteria to be considered in making fitness determination findings of abuse that are substantiated. The criteria must include the types of substantiated abuse for which a subject individual may be found to be unfit and conditions, if any, for the reinstatement of a subject individual who is found to be unfit.

      (3) A subject individual who is found to be unfit is entitled to challenge the fitness determination in a contested case hearing conducted in accordance with ORS chapter 183. The subject individual may not challenge a finding of substantiated abuse or criminal conviction that was the basis for the fitness determination but may contest the weight accorded the evidence, mitigating factors or other aspects of the evaluation. The individual may be represented by an attorney or other person or, if the individual is a member of a bargaining unit, by the certified or recognized exclusive representative for the bargaining unit.

      (4) This section applies to fitness determinations for providers of direct care services conducted under ORS 181A.195 (10) or 443.004 (7). [2019 c.517 §1; 2021 c.97 §59]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.010 [Amended by 1963 c.164 §1; repealed by 1969 c.641 §19]

 

      443.011 Training requirements for in-home care service providers; rules. (1) The Oregon Health Authority shall establish by rule training requirements that must be met before an individual may be permitted to provide in-home care services, as defined in ORS 443.305. The training requirements must include a minimum number of hours of orientation and assessment of competency. The minimum number of hours may be greater for an individual who will be providing enhanced care and services, such as medication management.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the training requirements apply to any individual who is not licensed or certified to provide health care in this state and who provides in-home care services as an employee or contractor of a licensed:

      (a) In-home care agency as defined in ORS 443.305;

      (b) Home health agency as defined in ORS 443.014; or

      (c) Hospital as defined in ORS 442.015.

      (3) The training requirements shall not apply to an individual providing personal care services that are incidental to the provision of home health care or hospital services. [2019 c.680 §1]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.012 Disease outbreak and infection control training and protocols; rules. (1) As used in this section and ORS 443.417:

      (a) “Disease outbreak” has the meaning given that term in ORS 431A.005.

      (b) “Facility” means:

      (A) A long term care facility, as defined in ORS 442.015;

      (B) A conversion facility, as defined in ORS 443.400; and

      (C) A residential care facility, as defined in ORS 443.400, including a residential care facility with a memory care endorsement.

      (2) An administrator of a facility and the employees of the facility, as specified by the Department of Human Services by rule, must receive training in recognizing disease outbreaks and infection control at the time of hiring, unless the administrator or the employee has received the training at another facility within the 24-month period prior to the time of hiring, and annually as part of, and not in addition to, the administrator or employee’s continuing education requirements.

      (3) The department, in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority, shall prescribe by rule the requirements for the training, which must include at least the following:

      (a) How to properly prevent and contain disease outbreaks based on the current best evidence in the field of infection and disease outbreak identification, prevention and control; and

      (b) The responsibility of staff members to report disease outbreaks under ORS 433.004.

      (4) The training may be provided in person, in writing, by webinar or by other electronic means. The department shall make online trainings available.

      (5)(a) A facility must establish and maintain infection prevention and control protocols designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases.

      (b) A facility must designate an individual to be responsible for carrying out the infection prevention and control protocols and to serve as the primary point of contact for the department regarding disease outbreaks. The individual must:

      (A) Be qualified by education, training and experience or certification; and

      (B) Complete specialized training in infection prevention and control protocols within three months of being designated under this paragraph, unless the designee has received the specialized training within the 24-month period prior to the time of the designation.

      (6) Upon hiring a new staff member, a facility shall provide to the staff member information about the rights and responsibility of facility staff members to report disease outbreaks under ORS 433.004 and the safeguards for staff members who report disease outbreaks.

      (7) The department, in coordination with the authority, shall:

      (a) Communicate regularly with facility administrators to recommend best practices and protocols for preventing and responding to disease outbreaks and provide contacts for local public health authorities; and

      (b) Provide notification to the facilities in a community where there is an elevated risk of an infectious disease outbreak and the residents and staff may be at risk of exposure to the disease outbreak. [2019 c.592 §1]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.001.

 

      443.013 Complaint procedures; disclosure of information obtained during investigation; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Caregiver registry” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.014.

      (b) “Home health agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.014.

      (c) “Hospice program” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.850.

      (d) “In-home care agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.305.

      (e) “Public entity” means:

      (A) A health professional regulatory board or licensing agency or a board or agency of this state or another state with regulatory or enforcement functions similar to the functions of a health professional regulatory board in this state;

      (B) A district attorney;

      (C) The Department of Justice;

      (D) A state or local public body of this state that licenses, franchises or provides emergency medical services;

      (E) A state or federal agency that disburses public funds;

      (F) A law enforcement agency of this state or another state; or

      (G) A law enforcement agency of the federal government.

      (2) Rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority pursuant to ORS 443.085, 443.340 and 443.860 shall include procedures for the filing of complaints as to the care or services provided by home health agencies, in-home care agencies, hospice programs or caregiver registries that ensure the confidentiality of the identity of the complainant.

      (3) An employee or contract provider with knowledge of a violation of law or rules of the authority shall use the reporting procedures established by the home health agency, in-home care agency, hospice program or caregiver registry before notifying the authority or other state agency of the inappropriate care or violation, unless the employee or contract provider:

      (a) Believes a client’s health or safety is in immediate jeopardy; or

      (b) Files a complaint in accordance with rules adopted under subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, information obtained by the authority during an investigation of a complaint or reported violation under this section is confidential and not subject to public disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the authority may publicly release a report of its findings but may not include information in the report that could be used to identify the complainant or any client of the home health agency, in-home care agency, hospice program or caregiver registry. The authority may use any information obtained during an investigation in an administrative or judicial proceeding concerning the licensing of a home health agency, in-home care agency, hospice program or caregiver registry.

      (5)(a) Information obtained by the authority during an investigation of a complaint or reported violation under this section that reasonably relates to the regulatory or enforcement function of another public entity may be disclosed by the authority to the other public entity.

      (b) Any public entity that receives information pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection shall take all reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of the information, except that the public entity may use or disclose the information to the extent necessary to carry out the public entity’s regulatory or enforcement functions. [Formerly 443.355]

 

      Note: 443.013 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

 

      443.014 Definitions for ORS 443.014 to 443.105. As used in ORS 443.014 to 443.105:

      (1) “Caregiver registry” means a person that prequalifies, establishes and maintains a roster of qualified private contractor caregivers that is provided to a client or the client’s representative for consideration in the hiring of an individual to provide caregiver services within the client’s place of residence.

      (2) “Home health agency” means a public or private agency providing coordinated home health services on a home visiting basis. “Home health agency” does not include:

      (a) Any visiting nurse service or home health service conducted by and for those who rely upon spiritual means through prayer alone for healing in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination.

      (b) Those home health services offered by local health departments outside, and in addition to, programs formally designated and funded as home health agencies.

      (3) “Home health services” means items and services furnished to an individual by a home health agency, or by others under arrangements with such agency, on a visiting basis, in a place of temporary or permanent residence used as the individual’s home for the purpose of maintaining that individual at home. [Formerly 443.005]

 

      443.015 License required; renewal, transferability of license. A person may not establish a home health agency or organization providing home health services for compensation, or purport to manage or operate a home health agency or organization, without first obtaining a license from the Oregon Health Authority. The license shall be renewable annually and is not transferable. [1977 c.738 §2; 2003 c.14 §259; 2009 c.595 §770; 2009 c.792 §15]

 

      443.019 Requirement for in-person site inspection. (1) The Oregon Health Authority shall conduct an in-person site inspection of a home health agency and a caregiver registry prior to licensure and at least once every three years thereafter.

      (2) In lieu of an in-person site inspection, the authority may accept a certification or accreditation from a federal agency or an accrediting body approved by the authority that the state licensing standards have been met, if:

      (a) The certification or accreditation is recognized by the authority as addressing the standards and conditions of participation requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and any additional standards set by the authority;

      (b) The agency or registry notifies the authority to participate in any exit interview conducted by the federal agency or accrediting body; and

      (c) The agency or registry provides copies of all documentation concerning the certification or accreditation requested by the authority. [2009 c.792 §18; 2009 c.792 §66; 2011 c.70 §11; 2021 c.338 §5]

 

      443.020 [Amended by 1957 c.697 §4; 1961 c.316 §10; 1967 c.89 §6; repealed by 1969 c.641 §19]

 

      443.025 Hospitals exempt from certain requirements if standards are met. A hospital licensed under ORS 441.015 may provide home health services without maintaining a separate governing body and administrative staff so long as the services provided meet the requirements of ORS 443.014 to 443.105 and the hospital pays the home health licensing fee under ORS 443.035. [1977 c.738 §7; 1995 c.449 §3; 2009 c.792 §15a]

 

      443.030 [Repealed by 1969 c.641 §19]

 

      443.035 License fees; renewal; disposition of funds. (1) The Oregon Health Authority may grant a license to a home health agency or caregiver registry for a calendar year, may annually renew a license and may allow for a change of ownership, upon payment of a fee as follows:

      (a) $4,000 for a new home health agency license.

      (b) $2,125 for a renewal of a home health agency license.

      (c) $1,250 for a change of ownership of a home health agency at a time other than the annual renewal date.

      (d)(A) $1,500 for a new caregiver registry license; and

      (B) $750 for each subunit of a newly licensed caregiver registry.

      (e)(A) $750 for a renewal of a caregiver registry license; and

      (B) $750 for each subunit of a caregiver registry described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (f)(A) $350 for a change of ownership of a caregiver registry at a time other than the annual renewal date; and

      (B) $350 for each subunit of a caregiver registry described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(c) or (f) of this section, the fee for a change in ownership shall be $100 if a change in ownership does not involve:

      (a) The majority owner or partner; or

      (b) The administrator operating the agency or registry.

      (3) All fees received pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall be paid over to the State Treasurer and credited to the Public Health Account. Such moneys are appropriated continuously to the Oregon Health Authority for the administration of ORS 443.014 to 443.105. [1977 c.738 §8; 1995 c.449 §4; 2005 c.22 §302; 2007 c.71 §131; 2009 c.595 §771; 2009 c.792 §16; 2011 c.70 §12; 2019 c.456 §6; 2021 c.447 §1]

 

      443.040 [Repealed by 1969 c.641 §19]

 

      443.045 Denial, suspension and revocation of licenses; penalties. (1) The Oregon Health Authority may deny, suspend or revoke the license of, or assess a civil penalty against, any individual, home health agency or caregiver registry for failure to comply with ORS 443.004 or 443.014 to 443.105, or with the rules of the authority as authorized by ORS 443.085.

      (2) License denials, suspensions and revocations, assessment of civil penalties, adoption of rules and judicial review thereof shall be in accordance with ORS chapter 183.

      (3) A civil penalty imposed under this section may not exceed $1,000 per violation and may not total more than $2,000.

      (4) All civil penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the Oregon Health Authority Fund. Moneys credited to the fund under this section are continuously appropriated to the authority for the administration of ORS 443.014 to 443.105 and 443.305 to 443.350. [1977 c.738 §9; 2009 c.595 §772; 2009 c.792 §69; 2009 c.828 §86; 2011 c.70 §13]

 

      443.050 [Repealed by 1969 c.641 §19]

 

      443.055 Governing body of home health agencies. A home health agency shall have an organized governing body, or, if a subdivision of a public or private agency or a multifunction organization, a clearly defined local body having responsibility for the conduct of the home health agency. Where the governing body is functionally remote from the operation of the home health agency, the Oregon Health Authority may approve the designation of an appropriate part of the organization as the governing body. [1977 c.738 §3; 2009 c.595 §773]

 

      443.060 [Amended by 1963 c.164 §2; repealed by 1969 c.641 §19]

 

      443.065 General requirements for home health agencies. A home health agency licensed in this state shall:

      (1) Be primarily engaged in providing skilled nursing services and at least one other service delineated in ORS 443.075 (1)(b) and (c);

      (2) Have policies established by professional personnel associated with the agency or organization, including one or more physicians or naturopathic physicians and one or more registered nurses, at least two of whom are neither owners nor employees of the agency, and two consumers, to govern the services that it provides;

      (3) Require supervision of services that it provides under subsection (1) of this section by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, naturopathic physician or registered nurse, preferably a public health nurse;

      (4) Ensure that in-home care services, as defined in ORS 443.305, that it provides in addition to skilled nursing services are provided by individuals who meet the training requirements established by the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 443.011, if applicable;

      (5) Maintain clinical and financial records on all patients; and

      (6) Have an overall plan and budget in effect. [1977 c.738 §4; 1981 c.415 §2; 2001 c.346 §1; 2013 c.1 §66; 2013 c.61 §3; 2014 c.45 §61; 2017 c.356 §70; 2019 c.680 §3]

 

      443.075 Services and supplies prescribed by physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. (1) A home health agency must have an order for treatment, plan of treatment or plan of care from a physician, naturopathic physician licensed under ORS chapter 685, physician assistant licensed under ORS 677.505 to 677.525 or nurse practitioner licensed under ORS 678.375 to 678.390 for the following services and supplies:

      (a) Home nursing care provided by or under the supervision of a registered nurse;

      (b) Physical, occupational or speech therapy, medical social services or other therapeutic services;

      (c) Home health aide services; and

      (d) Medical supplies, other than drugs and biologicals, and the use of medical appliances.

      (2) A home health agency shall have each plan of treatment or plan of care reviewed by the physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner periodically, in accordance with rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority. [1977 c.738 §5; 1981 c.415 §3; 2001 c.346 §2; 2009 c.792 §70; 2013 c.61 §4; 2014 c.45 §62; 2017 c.356 §71]

 

      443.085 Home health services; rules. The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules to implement ORS 443.014 to 443.105 including, but not limited to:

      (1) The qualifications of professional and ancillary personnel in order to adequately furnish home health services;

      (2) Standards for the organization and quality of client care;

      (3) Procedures for maintaining records;

      (4) Provision for contractual arrangements for professional and ancillary health services; and

      (5) Complaint and inspection procedures. [1977 c.738 §6; 2005 c.22 §303; 2009 c.595 §774; 2009 c.792 §23; 2011 c.70 §14]

 

      443.090 Exemption from in-home care agency licensing requirements. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 443.305 to 443.350, a home health agency licensed under ORS 443.015 that provides personal care services that are necessary to assist an individual in meeting the individual’s daily needs, but do not include curative or rehabilitative services, is not required to be licensed as an in-home care agency under ORS 443.315.

      (2) A licensed home health agency that provides personal care services shall comply with all laws and rules concerning in-home care services except for the licensing requirements. [2003 c.57 §3; 2009 c.792 §24]

 

      443.095 Applicability of laws to domestic service. No provision of ORS 443.014 to 443.105 shall be construed to prevent repair or domestic services by any person. [1977 c.738 §10; 2005 c.22 §304]

 

      443.100 License required for caregiver registry. A person may not establish, conduct or maintain a caregiver registry, or represent to the public that the person is a caregiver registry, without first obtaining a caregiver registry license from the Oregon Health Authority. [2009 c.792 §14b; 2009 c.792 §64; 2011 c.70 §15]

 

      443.105 Caregiver registries; rules. The Oregon Health Authority may adopt rules governing caregiver registries, including but not limited to:

      (1) The minimum qualifications of individuals whose services are offered through a caregiver registry;

      (2) Standards for the organization and quality of client care;

      (3) Procedures for maintaining records;

      (4) Requirements for contractual arrangements for professional and ancillary services;

      (5) Requiring criminal background checks on individuals placed on a roster by a caregiver registry;

      (6) Procedures for complaints against caregiver registries; and

      (7) Procedures for inspection of caregiver registries. [2009 c.792 §14c; 2009 c.792 §65; 2011 c.70 §16]

 

DOMICILIARY CARE FACILITIES

 

      443.205 Definitions for ORS 443.215 and 443.225. As used in ORS 443.215 and 443.225, “domiciliary care facilities” means facilities providing residential care to adults, including adult foster homes, group care facilities or residential treatment, training or care facilities, established, contracted for or operated by the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority. [1977 c.779 §3; formerly 184.870; 1987 c.320 §234; 2001 c.900 §181; 2007 c.21 §4; 2009 c.595 §775]

 

      443.210 [1953 c.659 §1; 1965 c.230 §1; 1973 c.285 §8; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.215 Policy. (1) The Legislative Assembly recognizes the importance of providing a high quality of domiciliary care facilities throughout the State of Oregon.

      (2) It is the intent of ORS 443.205 to 443.225 to distribute domiciliary care facility capacity on the basis of population and the regional origin of institutionalized persons. [1977 c.779 §1; formerly 184.875]

 

      443.220 [1953 c.659 §2; 1971 c.650 §21; 1973 c.285 §9; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.225 Location and capacity of domiciliary care facilities. (1) Except as otherwise provided by subsections (3) and (4) of this section, the capacity of all domiciliary care facilities must be located throughout the state based on the relationship of the population of the county in which the additional capacity is proposed to be located to the number of persons originating from the county who are determined to be in need of domiciliary care. However, nothing in this subsection is intended to prevent the placement of a person who is or was not a resident of the county in a domiciliary care facility in the county.

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall determine the number of persons originating from a county who are in need of domiciliary care if the domiciliary care facility is an adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705, a residential care facility or residential training facility as those terms are defined in ORS 443.400 or other group care facility.

      (3) The Oregon Health Authority shall determine the number of persons originating from a county who are in need of domiciliary care if the domiciliary care facility is a residential treatment facility as defined in ORS 443.400.

      (4) When a county is too sparsely populated to produce a meaningful ratio of county population to population in need, or a county is lacking necessary support services, the population of two or more counties may be combined. The area of the combined counties may be considered a county for purposes of subsection (1) of this section.

      (5) The computation required by subsection (1) of this section does not require reduction in any domiciliary care facility capacity existing on October 4, 1977.

      (6) Subject to the appropriate licensing requirements, the governing body of a county may authorize a domiciliary care facility located in the county to exceed the capacity limit imposed by subsection (1) of this section upon:

      (a) Request of an individual or organization operating or proposing to operate a domiciliary care facility;

      (b) Consultation with an advisory committee appointed by the governing body and consisting of persons who are particularly interested in the type of domiciliary care facility contemplated; and

      (c) Finding of good cause following notice and public hearing. [1977 c.779 §2; 1979 c.235 §1; formerly 184.880; 2007 c.71 §132; 2009 c.595 §776]

 

      443.230 [1953 c.659 §3; 1973 c.285 §10; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.240 [1953 c.659 §§4,5; 1973 c.285 §11; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.250 [1953 c.659 §6; 1961 c.316 §11; 1967 c.89 §7; 1973 c.285 §12; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.260 [1953 c.659 §7; 1961 c.316 §12; 1967 c.89 §8; 1973 c.285 §13; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.270 [1953 c.659 §8; repealed by 1973 c.285 §19]

 

      443.280 [1953 c.659 §9; 1973 c.285 §14; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.290 [1953 c.659 §10; 1973 c.285 §15; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.300 [1953 c.659 §11; 1973 c.285 §16; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

IN-HOME CARE AGENCIES

 

      443.305 Definitions for ORS 443.305 to 443.350. As used in ORS 443.305 to 443.350:

      (1) “In-home care agency” means an agency primarily engaged in providing in-home care services for compensation to an individual in that individual’s place of residence. “In-home care agency” does not include a home health agency as defined in ORS 443.014.

      (2) “In-home care services” means personal care services furnished by an in-home care agency, or an individual under an arrangement or contract with an in-home care agency, that are necessary to assist an individual in meeting the individual’s daily needs, but does not include curative or rehabilitative services.

      (3) “Subunit” means an in-home care agency that provides services for a parent agency in a geographic area different from that of the parent agency and more than 60 miles from the location of the parent agency. [1999 c.1034 §1; 2013 c.61 §5]

 

      Note: 443.305 to 443.350 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.310 [1953 c.659 §12; 1973 c.285 §17; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.315 License required; application; rules; fees. (1) A person may not establish, manage or operate an in-home care agency or purport to manage or operate an in-home care agency without obtaining a license from the Oregon Health Authority.

      (2) The authority shall establish classification requirements and qualifications for licensure under this section by rule. The authority shall issue a license to an applicant that has the necessary qualifications and meets all requirements established by rule, including the payment of required fees. An in-home care agency shall be required to maintain administrative and professional oversight to ensure the quality of services provided and that the training requirements established by the authority under ORS 443.011, if applicable, have been met by any individual employed by or contracting with the in-home care agency to provide in-home care services.

      (3) Application for a license required under subsection (1) of this section shall be made in the form and manner required by the authority by rule and shall be accompanied by any required fees.

      (4) A license may be granted, or may be renewed annually, upon payment of a fee as follows:

      (a) For the initial licensure of an in-home care agency that is classified as:

      (A) Limited, the fee is $2,000.

      (B) Basic, the fee is $2,250.

      (C) Intermediate, the fee is $2,500.

      (D) Comprehensive, the fee is $3,000.

      (b) There is an additional fee of $1,250 for the initial licensure of each subunit in any classification of in-home care agency.

      (c) For the renewal of a license classified as:

      (A) Limited or basic, the fee is $1,000.

      (B) Intermediate, the fee is $1,250.

      (C) Comprehensive, the fee is $1,500.

      (d) There is an additional fee of $1,000 for the renewal of licensure for each subunit in any classification of in-home care agency.

      (e) For a change of ownership at a time other than the annual renewal date:

      (A) The fee is $350; and

      (B) There is an additional fee of $350 for each subunit.

      (5) A license issued under this section is valid for one year. A license may be renewed by payment of the required renewal fee and by demonstration of compliance with requirements for renewal established by rule.

      (6) A license issued under this section is not transferable.

      (7) The authority shall conduct an on-site inspection of each in-home care agency prior to services being rendered and once every two years thereafter as a requirement for licensing.

      (8) In lieu of the on-site inspection required by subsection (7) of this section, the authority may accept a certification or accreditation from a federal agency or an accrediting body approved by the authority that the state licensing standards have been met, if the in-home care agency:

      (a) Notifies the authority to participate in any exit interview conducted by the federal agency or accrediting body; and

      (b) Provides copies of all documentation concerning the certification or accreditation requested by the authority. [1999 c.1034 §2; 2005 c.22 §305; 2007 c.897 §1; 2009 c.595 §776a; 2009 c.792 §71; 2017 c.559 §1; 2019 c.680 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 443.305.

 

      443.320 [1953 c.659 §13; repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      443.325 Grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of license; penalties. (1) The Oregon Health Authority may impose a civil penalty and may deny, suspend or revoke the license of any in-home care agency licensed under ORS 443.315 for failure to comply with ORS 443.305 to 443.350 or with rules adopted thereunder. A failure to comply with ORS 443.305 to 443.350 includes, but is not limited to:

      (a) Failure to provide a written disclosure statement to the client or the client’s representative prior to in-home care services being rendered;

      (b) Failure to provide the contracted in-home care services;

      (c) Failure to correct deficiencies identified during an inspection by the authority; or

      (d) A demonstrated pattern, over the previous five years, of significant and substantiated violations of:

      (A) Employment or wage laws in this state, as prescribed by the authority by rule:

      (i) By an in-home care agency licensee as an employer of staff in an in-home care agency; or

      (ii) By an applicant for an in-home care agency license in any business owned or operated by the applicant; or

      (B) Caregiver training requirements, as established by the authority by rule, in any in-home care agency owned or operated by an in-home care agency licensee.

      (2) The authority may deny, suspend or revoke the license of any in-home care agency licensed under ORS 443.315 for failure to comply with ORS 443.004. [1999 c.1034 §3; 2007 c.897 §2; 2009 c.595 §776b; 2009 c.792 §26; 2009 c.828 §87; 2019 c.680 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 443.305.

 

      443.327 Injunctive relief; attorney fees and costs; notice to clients. (1) Notwithstanding the existence and pursuit of any other remedy, the Oregon Health Authority may, in the manner provided by law, maintain an action in the name of the state for injunction or other process against any person to restrain or prevent the establishment, conduct, management or operation of an in-home care agency without a license. The authority may recover attorney fees and court costs for any such action.

      (2) If an in-home care agency is found to be operating without a valid license, the in-home care agency must provide notice to its clients in a manner and period of time set forth by the authority. [2007 c.897 §4; 2009 c.595 §776c]

 

      Note: See note under 443.305.

 

      443.330 [1953 c.659 §15; 1973 c.285 §18; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.335 [1971 c.734 §60; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

      443.340 Rules. The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt administrative rules necessary for the implementation and administration of ORS 443.305 to 443.350. These rules shall include, but are not limited to, a requirement that an in-home care agency must conduct criminal background checks on all individuals employed by or contracting with the agency as in-home caregivers. [1999 c.1034 §4; 2001 c.900 §182; 2009 c.595 §776d]

 

      Note: See note under 443.305.

 

      443.345 Disposition of moneys. All moneys received pursuant to ORS 443.315, 443.325 and 443.327 shall be deposited in the State Treasury and credited to an account designated by the Oregon Health Authority. Such moneys are continuously appropriated to the authority for the administration of ORS 443.305 to 443.350. [1999 c.1034 §5; 2007 c.897 §5; 2009 c.595 §776e]

 

      Note: See note under 443.305.

 

      443.350 Applicability. The provisions of ORS 443.305 to 443.350 do not apply to organizations licensed, registered or certified under ORS 101.030, 410.495, 443.410, 443.485, 443.725, 443.860 or 443.886. [1999 c.1034 §6]

 

      Note: See note under 443.305.

 

      443.355 [2009 c.792 §19; 2009 c.792 §67; 2011 c.70 §17; 2023 c.199 §2; renumbered 443.013 in 2023]

 

LONG TERM CARE REFERRAL

 

      443.370 Definitions for ORS 443.370 to 443.376. As used in ORS 443.370 to 443.376:

      (1) “Client” means an individual who seeks a long term care referral for the individual or for another individual.

      (2) “Facility” means:

      (a) A long term care facility as defined in ORS 442.015.

      (b) A residential care facility as defined in ORS 443.400, including but not limited to an assisted living facility and a facility marketed as a memory care community.

      (c) An adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705.

      (d) A continuing care retirement community as defined in ORS 101.020.

      (3) “Long term care referral” means a referral to a facility in connection with which the referral agent receives compensation from the facility.

      (4) “Placement information” means any information a person collects from a client about the client or the subject of placement, including but not limited to name, electronic mail address, phone number, zip code, medical history, information about necessary assistance for activities of daily living or the reasons for seeking long term care.

      (5)(a) “Referral agent” means a person that provides long term care referrals.

      (b) “Referral agent” does not include:

      (A) A facility or its employees.

      (B) A resident or patron of a facility who refers a client to a facility and receives a discount or other remuneration from the facility.

      (C) A public body as defined in ORS 174.109.

      (6) “Subject of placement” means the individual to be placed with a facility through a long term care referral. [2017 c.656 §1]

 

      Note: 443.370 to 443.376 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.373 Registration to provide long term care referrals; rules; fee. (1) A person may not provide a long term care referral unless the person is registered with the Department of Human Services under this section.

      (2) The department shall issue a registration to provide long term care referrals to an applicant who meets requirements established by the department by rule and pays a $750 fee.

      (3) A registration issued under this section must be renewed every two years. The department shall set the renewal fee by rule, but the renewal fee may not exceed $750.

      (4) The department shall require an applicant to:

      (a) Identify an individual responsible for the application;

      (b) Demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements of ORS 443.376;

      (c) Demonstrate that the applicant maintains at least $1 million in general liability insurance; and

      (d) Perform background checks on referral agents who have direct contact with clients, as defined by rule of the department.

      (5) The department may adopt rules as necessary to administer ORS 443.370 to 443.376.

      (6) The department may impose a civil penalty on a person for violation of ORS 443.370 to 443.376 or violation of rules adopted under ORS 443.370 to 443.376. [2017 c.656 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 443.370.

 

      443.376 Duties of referral agents; violation as unlawful practice. (1) Before providing a long term care referral, a referral agent shall provide the client with a disclosure. The disclosure may be made orally if the referral agent makes an audio recording of the disclosure with consent of the client and thereafter provides the client with a written disclosure. The written disclosure must be conspicuous, provided in clear language and include:

      (a) A description of the long term care referral to be provided by the referral agent, including the length of any contract the referral agent has with a facility regarding placement information about the client or the subject of placement.

      (b) The referral agent’s contact information, including address and phone number.

      (c) The referral agent’s privacy policy.

      (d) A statement of whether the referral agent provides referrals only to facilities with which the agent has an existing contract.

      (e) A statement of whether the referral fees for the long term care referral will be paid to the referral agent by the facility.

      (2) A referral agent may not:

      (a) Share a client’s placement information with or sell a client’s placement information to a facility or marketing affiliate without obtaining affirmative consent from the client for each instance of sharing or selling the information.

      (b) Refer a client to a facility in which the referral agent or an immediate family member of the referral agent has an ownership interest.

      (c) Contact a client who has requested in writing that the referral agent stop contacting the client.

      (3) If a referral agent maintains a website, the website must contain a link to any state agency website listing complaints concerning facilities. If the referral agent does not maintain a website, the referral agent shall notify clients in writing of the state agency website addresses.

      (4) If a client is referred to a facility and the referral agent has received compensation from the facility for the referral, the client may notify the referral agent in writing that the client wishes to use the services of another referral agent in the future for referral to another facility in a subsequent move. After receiving notice under this subsection, the first referral agent may not receive compensation from another facility in a subsequent move for any referral made before receiving the notice.

      (5)(a) A referral agent must include in any contract with a facility provisions prohibiting the referral agent from collecting compensation from the facility when the facility is a subsequent facility as described in this subsection. A facility is a subsequent facility if:

      (A) The subject of placement enters a facility to which the subject of placement is referred by a first referral agent, but subsequently leaves that facility; and

      (B) A new referral agent refers the subject of placement to the subsequent facility.

      (b) When a referral is made to a subsequent facility for a subject of placement by a new referral agent as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the new referral agent must present evidence to the subsequent facility that the first referral agent is not entitled to compensation.

      (6) Violation of this section is an unlawful practice under ORS 646.608. [2017 c.656 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 443.370.

 

HOUSING WITH SERVICES PROJECTS

 

      443.378 Housing with services projects. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Coordinate” means to provide proactive and systematic assistance in obtaining, facilitation of and connection with health and social services, through communication, collaboration and sharing of information among providers of health and social services.

      (b) “Health and social services” means:

      (A) Case management;

      (B) Health navigation;

      (C) Mental health and addiction supports and services;

      (D) In-home supports, including housekeeping, personal care, meal preparation, laundry services and transportation; and

      (E) Food insecurity interventions.

      (c)(A) “Housing with services project” means an entity that coordinates two or more health and social services for senior citizens and people with disabilities who are living in publicly subsidized or private congregate settings.

      (B) “Housing with services project” does not include:

      (i) A health care facility licensed under ORS 441.015.

      (ii) A residential facility licensed under ORS 443.410.

      (iii) An adult foster home licensed under ORS 443.725.

      (iv) A continuing care retirement community as defined in ORS 101.020.

      (v) A program of all-inclusive care for the elderly as described in 42 C.F.R. 460.6.

      (vi) Transient lodging as defined in ORS 320.300.

      (vii) A hotel as defined in ORS 699.005.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a housing with services project shall register with the Department of Human Services by submitting the name, address and primary contact of the housing with services project to the department.

      (3)(a) A housing with services project is not required to register with the Department of Human Services under this section if the housing with services project is regulated by the Housing and Community Services Department or the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

      (b) The Department of Human Services and the Housing and Community Services Department shall collaborate to develop a joint inventory of the names and addresses of housing with services projects that are not required to register under this section.

      (c) The Department of Human Services shall collaborate with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain the names and addresses of subsidized senior housing properties regulated by or on record at the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

      (4) The Department of Human Services shall provide housing with services projects with information on resources available for tenants, including but not limited to:

      (a) Information about the Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

      (b) Information about hotlines for reporting abuse.

      (5) The Department of Human Services may adopt rules implementing this section. [2017 c.219 §1]

 

      Note: 443.378 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES OMBUDSMAN

 

      443.380 Definitions for ORS 443.380 to 443.394. As used in ORS 443.380 to 443.394:

      (1) “Administrative action” means an action, inaction or decision by an owner, employee or agent of a residential facility or by a state, local, social service or health agency that could affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of residents of the facility.

      (2) “Designee” means an individual appointed by the Residential Facilities Ombudsman in accordance with ORS 443.386.

      (3) “Legal representative” means a person to whom a resident or a court has granted legal authority to permit access to the resident’s personal information and medical records.

      (4) “Long Term Care Ombudsman” means the individual appointed by the Governor under ORS 441.403.

      (5) “Resident” means an individual who resides in a residential facility.

      (6)(a) “Residential facility” means one of the following:

      (A) A residential training facility, as defined in ORS 443.400.

      (B) A residential training home, as defined in ORS 443.400.

      (C) A licensed adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705 that serves persons with mental illness or developmental disabilities.

      (D) A developmental disability child foster home, as defined in ORS 443.830.

      (E) A residential treatment facility, as defined in ORS 443.400.

      (F) A residential treatment home, as defined in ORS 443.400.

      (G) A conversion facility licensed under ORS 443.431.

      (b) “Residential facility” does not include a:

      (A) Secured facility housing persons committed under ORS 161.327; or

      (B) Facility licensed by the Oregon Health Authority to provide alcohol and drug treatment.

      (7) “Residential Facilities Ombudsman Program” means the services provided by the Residential Facilities Ombudsman. [2017 c.441 §1; 2017 c.679 §22]

 

      Note: 443.380 to 443.396 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.382 Residential Facilities Ombudsman; duties. (1) The Long Term Care Ombudsman, in consultation with the Residential Ombudsman and Public Guardianship Advisory Board established under ORS 441.416, shall appoint a Residential Facilities Ombudsman for a four-year term. The Residential Facilities Ombudsman serves at the pleasure of the Long Term Care Ombudsman and may be removed by the Long Term Care Ombudsman for cause. The Long Term Care Ombudsman shall fill any vacancy within 60 days. The salary of the Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall be determined by the Long Term Care Ombudsman. The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of the ombudsman’s official duties.

      (2) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman may, subject to the approval of the Long Term Care Ombudsman, hire or contract with volunteers, staff, deputy ombudsmen and other qualified individuals as necessary to perform the duties of the ombudsman.

      (3) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall:

      (a) Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents about administrative actions.

      (b) Provide residents, families of residents, guardians, community members and administrators and staff of residential facilities with information regarding the rights of residents as set forth in ORS 427.107 and 430.210 and any other applicable rights of residents.

      (c) Widely publicize the Residential Facilities Ombudsman’s services, purpose and mode of operation.

      (d) Undertake, participate in or cooperate with persons and agencies in conferences, inquiries, meetings or studies that may lead to improvements in the functioning of residential facilities.

      (e) Work closely with associations and citizen groups in this state and the state protection and advocacy system under ORS 192.517.

      (f) Provide services to residents to assist them in protecting their health, safety, welfare and rights.

      (g) Ensure that residents have regular, timely, private and unimpeded access to the Residential Facilities Ombudsman’s services and that a resident or an individual acting on behalf of a resident who files a complaint receives a timely response to the complaint from the ombudsman or a designee.

      (h) Represent the interests of residents before government agencies and seek administrative, legal or other appropriate remedies to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents.

      (i) Analyze, comment on and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws and other governmental policies pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents.

      (j) Recommend any changes to state or local laws to improve the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents.

      (k) Facilitate public comment on laws and policies that affect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents.

      (L) Train designees.

      (m) Promote the development of organizations to advocate on behalf of residents of residential facilities.

      (n) To the extent practicable, assist residents who move from a residential facility to a home care setting.

      (o) Assist residents and individuals acting on their behalf in locating and accessing resources in the community and in connecting with local service providers.

      (p) Engage the participation of residents in general studies, conferences, inquiries or meetings related to residential care in this state.

      (q) Make recommendations for improvements in the functioning of the residential facility system in this state.

      (r) Collaborate with the Oregon Health Authority, the Department of Human Services, and any other appropriate agencies and organizations to establish a statewide system to collect and analyze information on complaints about and conditions in residential facilities for the purpose of publicizing improvements and resolving significant problems for residents.

      (s) Provide information to public agencies about the problems of residents.

      (t) Collect and compile data necessary to prepare the report submitted to the Governor under ORS 182.500.

      (u) Adopt rules necessary for carrying out ORS 443.380 to 443.394, in accordance with ORS chapter 183, in consultation with the Long Term Care Ombudsman and the Residential Ombudsman and Public Guardianship Advisory Board. [2017 c.441 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.384 Agencies to provide information and support. (1) The Oregon Health Authority, the Department of Human Services and the Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall agree to a format for the authority and the department to provide monthly to the ombudsman updated demographic and licensing information regarding each residential facility for which the Residential Facilities Ombudsman has responsibilities under this section.

      (2) All state agencies, their representatives and service providers shall cooperate with and assist the Residential Facilities Ombudsman and designees in the performance of the ombudsman’s duties and functions. [2017 c.441 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.386 Designees of ombudsman; training; contract. (1) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall, in consultation with the Long Term Care Ombudsman, appoint designees to serve as representatives of the ombudsman in local communities. The ombudsman shall regularly monitor the functions of designees.

      (2) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall prescribe the qualifications of designees by rule.

      (3) To be appointed as a designee, a person must complete an initial training prescribed by the Residential Facilities Ombudsman by rule and attend required continuing educational training sessions that are approved by the ombudsman.

      (4) Designees must sign a contract with the Residential Facilities Ombudsman that outlines the scope of their duties. Violation of the contract is cause for terminating the appointment of a designee. [2017 c.441 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.388 Authority of ombudsman and designees; confidentiality agreements. (1) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman and each designee shall:

      (a) Have private and unimpeded access to residential facilities and residents at any time considered necessary and reasonable by the ombudsman or the designee for the purpose of:

      (A) Investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents, including by subpoenaing any person to appear and give sworn testimony or to produce documentary or other evidence that is reasonably material to the matter under investigation;

      (B) Offering the services of the ombudsman or the designee to any resident, in private;

      (C) Interviewing residents, with their consent, in private;

      (D) Interviewing employees or agents of the facility;

      (E) Consulting regularly with the facility administration; and

      (F) Providing other services authorized by law or by rule.

      (b) Notwithstanding ORS 192.553 to 192.581, have access to all of the following if necessary to investigate a complaint:

      (A) Residents’ records, including medical records with the consent of a resident or a resident’s representative.

      (B) For a resident who is unable to communicate consent and the resident’s legal representative denies consent, access to the resident’s records without consent if the ombudsman has reasonable cause to believe that the legal representative is not acting in the resident’s best interests.

      (C) For a resident who is unable to communicate consent and does not have a legal representative, access to the resident’s records, including medical records, without consent if the ombudsman or designee believes that the information is necessary for the investigation of the complaint.

      (D) Records of any public agency, including abuse reports maintained under ORS 430.757.

      (c) Have access to, upon request, copies of all licensing and certification records, including records of corrective actions, maintained by the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority with respect to residential facilities.

      (d) Have access to the administrative records, policies and documents of residential facilities to which residents or the general public has access.

      (e) Conduct each investigation in a manner that does not significantly disrupt the provision of residential care or treatment to residents.

      (f) Show identification to the person in charge of a facility prior to entering the facility.

      (2) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall enter into confidentiality agreements with the department and with the authority permitting the ombudsman and each designee to have access to electronic records of the department and the authority that are necessary to carry out the duties of the ombudsman. The agreement must ensure that records obtained by the ombudsman from the department or the authority that are confidential, privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure are not further disclosed, except as permitted by state and federal law. [2017 c.441 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.390 Complaints. (1) If a complaint is made on behalf of a resident who has limited or no decision-making capacity and is unable to communicate consent for the Residential Facilities Ombudsman to investigate the complaint, and:

      (a) The resident has no known legal representative:

      (A) The ombudsman shall seek to discern the outcome that the resident desires and shall work to accomplish that outcome; or

      (B) If the ombudsman is unable to discern the resident’s desired outcome, it shall be assumed that the resident desires to have the resident’s health, safety, welfare and rights protected; or

      (b) The resident has a legal representative who refuses to provide consent to the investigation, the ombudsman may proceed without consent if the ombudsman has reasonable cause to believe that it is in the resident’s best interests.

      (2) A resident shall have the right to refuse to communicate with the ombudsman or the designee. The refusal shall be made directly to the ombudsman or the designee and not through an intermediary.

      (3) Following an investigation of a complaint, the Residential Facilities Ombudsman or a designee shall report the ombudsman’s findings and conclusions to the resident who made the complaint and to a complainant acting on behalf of a resident. If the ombudsman or designee finds conditions threatening the health, safety or welfare of a resident that cannot be resolved informally, the ombudsman or designee shall refer the findings to the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority or law enforcement officials.

      (4) A resident shall have the right to participate in planning any course of action to be taken on behalf of the resident by the ombudsman or the designee.

      (5) A resident or an individual who makes a complaint to the Residential Facilities Ombudsman under this section, or who participates in an investigation of a complaint, may not be subjected to a penalty, sanction or restriction or be denied any right, privilege or benefit on account of making the complaint or participating in the investigation of the complaint.

      (6) The Department of Human Services shall prohibit retaliation or reprisals by a residential facility or other entity with respect to any resident, employee or other person who files a complaint, provides information or otherwise cooperates with the Residential Facilities Ombudsman or a designee and shall provide by rule for appropriate sanctions with respect to the retaliation and reprisals.

      (7) In order to encourage residents and individuals acting on behalf of residents to communicate with the Residential Facilities Ombudsman or designee, any resident or individual acting on behalf of a resident who makes a complaint to the Residential Facilities Ombudsman in good faith under this section or who participates in an investigation of a complaint shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed with respect to the communication. [2017 c.441 §6]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.392 Notice of complaint procedures; posting requirement. (1) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall prepare and distribute to each residential facility in this state a written notice describing the procedures to follow in making a complaint, including the address and telephone number of the ombudsman and designee, if any, and a poster describing the Residential Facilities Ombudsman Program and providing contact information. The Department of Human Services shall facilitate the distribution of information regarding the Residential Facilities Ombudsman Program to residents, providers and the public.

      (2) The administrator of each residential facility shall post the written notice and poster required by this section in conspicuous places in the facility in accordance with procedures provided by the ombudsman and shall give the written notice to each resident and legal representative, if any, at least annually during the care planning process. [2017 c.441 §7]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.394 Procedures to maintain confidentiality. (1)(a) As used in this section, “authorized representative” means an individual who:

      (A) Is authorized to represent a resident of a residential facility in legal proceedings;

      (B) Has a power of attorney for a resident; or

      (C) Is authorized by court order to act on behalf of a resident.

      (b) “Authorized representative” of a resident does not include an individual accused or suspected of abusing or harming the resident.

      (2) The Residential Facilities Ombudsman shall establish procedures to maintain the confidentiality of the records and files of residents. The procedures must meet the following requirements:

      (a) The ombudsman or a designee may not disclose, except to state agencies or law enforcement, the identity of any resident or individual acting on behalf of a resident without the consent of the resident or the legal representative of the resident.

      (b) The identity of any resident or individual providing information on behalf of the resident shall be confidential.

      (3)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the Residential Facilities Ombudsman, designee or staff of the ombudsman may not be compelled to:

      (A) Testify or to produce documents to any third party, including in any judicial or administrative proceeding, arising from a complaint concerning a resident received by the ombudsman; or

      (B) Disclose, through discovery, subpoena or other means of legal compulsion, any memoranda, work product, notes or case file materials in the possession of the ombudsman, designee or staff related to a complaint concerning a resident received by the ombudsman.

      (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, the ombudsman, designee or staff of the ombudsman may disclose information arising from a complaint concerning a resident received by the ombudsman if:

      (A) The ombudsman, designee or staff personally witnessed a felony related to the complaint;

      (B) The ombudsman, designee or staff receives a complaint of imminent risk of serious harm to one or more residents;

      (C) Except for records protected or exempt from disclosure by federal or state law, a resident or the resident’s authorized representative requests a copy of the memoranda, work product, notes or case file materials arising from a complaint alleging harm or abuse against the resident;

      (D) The resident or the resident’s authorized representative requests the ombudsman, designee or staff to authenticate a record contained in the resident’s case file;

      (E) A law enforcement agency is pursuing a criminal charge arising from or related to the complaint;

      (F) The information is about the general operation of the facilities ombudsman program, general processes employed by the ombudsman or statistical or other reports about the program that do not disclose information about an individual complaint; or

      (G) A court of competent jurisdiction enters an order compelling the ombudsman to disclose information after making explicit findings that:

      (i) The information is essential to litigating an ongoing criminal or civil matter;

      (ii) The information cannot be obtained from any other source; and

      (iii) Disclosure of the information will be limited or redacted in such a way as to minimize unnecessary disclosure of confidential information or information that would tend to identify a confidential complainant.

      (c) Records, as defined in ORS 192.515, memoranda, work product, notes, case files or any other material provided by the ombudsman, designee or staff of the ombudsman by the system described in ORS 192.517 may not be disclosed by the ombudsman, designee or staff of the ombudsman and are not subject to discovery, subpoena or other means of legal compulsion. [2017 c.441 §8; 2021 c.319 §1]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

      443.396 Gifts, grants and donations. The Residential Facilities Ombudsman appointed under ORS 443.382 may solicit and accept gifts, grants and donations from public and private sources for the purpose of carrying out ORS 443.380 to 443.394 and the moneys shall be deposited in the Long Term Care Ombudsman Account established under ORS 441.419. [2017 c.441 §9]

 

      Note: See note under 443.380.

 

RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND HOMES

 

      443.400 Definitions for ORS 443.400 to 443.455. As used in ORS 443.400 to 443.455 and 443.991, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Behavioral health needs” means mental, emotional or behavioral disturbances.

      (2) “Conversion facility” means a facility that has applied for, or been issued, a conversion facility license as described in ORS 443.431.

      (3) “Direct care staff” means the employees of a residential facility whose primary responsibilities are to provide personal care services to residents, including but not limited to:

      (a) Administering medications;

      (b) Coordinating resident-focused activities;

      (c) Supervising and supporting residents;

      (d) Supporting activities of daily living, including but not limited to bathing, dressing, eating and transferring; and

      (e) Serving but not preparing meals.

      (4) “Licensing agency” means:

      (a) The Department of Human Services, if the residential facility that is licensed, or that the Director of Human Services determines should be licensed, is a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home; or

      (b) The Oregon Health Authority, if the residential facility that is licensed, or that the Director of the Oregon Health Authority determines should be licensed, is a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home.

      (5) “Resident” means any individual residing in a facility who receives residential care, treatment or training. For purposes of ORS 443.400 to 443.455, an individual is not considered to be a resident if the individual is related by blood or marriage within the fourth degree as determined by civil law to the person licensed to operate or maintain the facility.

      (6) “Residential care” means services such as supervision; protection; assistance while bathing, dressing, grooming or eating; management of money; transportation; recreation; and the providing of room and board.

      (7) “Residential care facility” means a facility that provides residential care in one or more buildings on contiguous properties:

      (a) For six or more socially dependent individuals or individuals with physical disabilities; or

      (b) For fewer than six socially dependent individuals or individuals with physical disabilities if the purpose of the facility is to serve individuals with co-occurring behavioral health needs who are more appropriately served in smaller settings.

      (8) “Residential facility” means a residential care facility, residential training facility, residential treatment facility, residential training home, residential treatment home or conversion facility.

      (9) “Residential training facility” means a facility that provides, for six or more individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, residential care and training in one or more buildings on contiguous properties.

      (10) “Residential training home” means a facility that provides, for five or fewer individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, residential care and training in one or more buildings on contiguous properties, when so certified and funded by the Department of Human Services.

      (11) “Residential treatment facility” means a facility that provides, for six or more individuals with mental, emotional or behavioral disturbances or alcohol or drug dependence, residential care and treatment in one or more buildings on contiguous properties.

      (12) “Residential treatment home” means a facility that provides for five or fewer individuals with mental, emotional or behavioral disturbances or alcohol or drug dependence, residential care and treatment in one or more buildings on contiguous properties.

      (13) “Training” means the systematic, planned maintenance, development or enhancement of self-care skills, social skills or independent living skills, or the planned sequence of systematic interactions, activities or structured learning situations designed to meet each resident’s specified needs in the areas of physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth.

      (14) “Treatment” means a planned, individualized program of medical, psychological or rehabilitative procedures, experiences and activities designed to relieve or minimize mental, emotional, physical or other symptoms or social, educational or vocational disabilities resulting from or related to the mental or emotional disturbance, physical disability or alcohol or drug problem. [1977 c.717 §1; 1987 c.548 §1; 1989 c.224 §95; 1989 c.488 §1; 1991 c.801 §1; 2001 c.900 §183; 2005 c.22 §306; 2007 c.70 §245; 2009 c.595 §777; 2017 c.679 §35; 2017 c.707 §9]

 

      443.405 Exclusions from definition of “residential facility.” For purposes of ORS 443.400 to 443.455 and 443.991, “residential facility” does not include:

      (1) A residential school;

      (2) A state or local correctional facility;

      (3) A youth correction facility as defined in ORS 420.005;

      (4) A youth care center operated by a county juvenile department under administrative control of a juvenile court pursuant to ORS 420.855 to 420.885;

      (5) A juvenile detention facility as defined in ORS 419A.004;

      (6) A nursing home;

      (7) A hospital;

      (8) A place primarily engaged in recreational activities;

      (9) A foster home;

      (10) A place providing care and treatment on less than a 24-hour basis; or

      (11) A residential facility registered under ORS 443.485. [1977 c.717 §2; 1983 c.510 §18; 1993 c.33 §350; 1999 c.316 §2; 2005 c.22 §307; 2009 c.595 §778; 2013 c.130 §5; 2015 c.740 §1]

 

      443.410 Single license required. (1) A license issued by the Department of Human Services is required in order to operate or maintain a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home.

      (2) A license issued by the Oregon Health Authority is required in order to operate or maintain a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home.

      (3) A facility may not be subject to licensing by both the department and the authority under this section. If a facility could be licensed under either subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the Director of Human Services and the Director of the Oregon Health Authority shall determine the category of licensure that applies to the facility. [1977 c.717 §3; 1983 c.510 §19; 1989 c.224 §96; 1989 c.488 §2; 1991 c.801 §2; 2007 c.70 §246; 2009 c.595 §779; 2011 c.720 §198a]

 

      443.415 License applications; fee; investigations; grounds for issuance and denial of license. (1) Applications for licensure to maintain and operate a residential facility shall be made to the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority on forms provided for that purpose by the appropriate licensing agency. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee. No fee is required of any governmentally operated residential facility.

      (2)(a) The application fee for a residential treatment facility is $60.

      (b) The application fee for a residential training home or residential training facility shall be prescribed by the department pursuant to ORS 427.021.

      (c) The application fee for a residential treatment home is $30.

      (d) The application fee for a residential care facility is:

      (A) For a facility with one to 15 beds, $2,000.

      (B) For a facility with 16 to 49 beds, $3,000.

      (C) For a facility with 50 to 99 beds, $4,000.

      (D) For a facility with 100 to 150 beds, $5,000.

      (E) For a facility with more than 150 beds, $6,000.

      (3) Upon receipt of an application and fee, the licensing agency shall conduct an in-person site inspection, including, for residential care facilities, an inspection of the kitchen and other areas where food is prepared for residents. The licensing agency shall issue a license to any applicant for operation of a residential facility in compliance with ORS 443.002 and 443.400 to 443.455 and the rules of the licensing agency. Licensure may be denied when a residential facility is not in compliance with ORS 443.002 or 443.400 to 443.455 or the rules of the licensing agency. Licensure shall be denied if the State Fire Marshal, deputy or approved authority has given notice of noncompliance of a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential treatment facility pursuant to ORS 479.220. [1977 c.717 §8; 1979 c.696 §16; 1987 c.548 §2; 2001 c.900 §184; 2005 c.22 §308; 2009 c.595 §780; 2009 c.828 §31; 2009 c.837 §26; 2017 c.679 §12a; 2017 c.707 §4; 2019 c.592 §5; 2021 c.338 §6; 2023 c.206 §3]

 

      443.416 Inspection of facilities. (1) The Director of Human Services or authorized representative shall periodically visit and inspect every residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home to determine whether it is maintained and operated in accordance with ORS 443.400 to 443.455 and the rules of the director, and to consult with and advise management concerning methods of care, treatment, training, records, housing and equipment. Employees of the Department of Human Services and the State Fire Marshal or authorized representative on request shall be permitted access to the premises and records of individuals in the facility or home that are pertinent to fire safety.

      (2) The Director of the Oregon Health Authority or authorized representative shall periodically visit and inspect every residential treatment facility or residential treatment home to determine whether it is maintained and operated in accordance with ORS 443.400 to 443.455 and the rules of the director, and to consult with and advise management concerning methods of care, treatment, training, records, housing and equipment. Employees of the Oregon Health Authority and the State Fire Marshal or authorized representative on request shall be permitted access to the premises and records of individuals in the facility or home that are pertinent to fire safety. [Formerly 443.435]

 

      443.417 Annual kitchen inspection; fees. (1) The Department of Human Services shall annually inspect the kitchen of a facility and other areas where food is prepared for residents. In a year when the department is required by law to conduct a survey, the department shall conduct the inspection as part of the survey. The inspection must be conducted by an individual who has training and expertise in food sanitation. For an inspection not conducted as part of a legally required survey, the department may charge the inspected facility a fee of up to $200.

      (2) The department or the Oregon Health Authority may not deny or delay a license or refuse to renew a license:

      (a) For a facility’s first failure to pass an inspection; or

      (b) If the department fails to conduct an inspection in a timely manner.

      (3) Any fees collected by the department under this section shall be deposited into the Quality Care Fund established in ORS 443.001 and are continuously appropriated to the department for conducting inspections described in subsection (1) of this section. [2019 c.592 §2]

 

      Note: 443.417 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.419 License revocations, suspensions or conditions; rules. (1) The Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority may revoke, suspend or impose conditions on the license of any residential training facility or residential training home based on criteria adopted by the licensing agency by rule, including but not limited to when:

      (a) There exists a threat to the health, safety or welfare of a resident;

      (b) There is reliable evidence of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a resident; or

      (c) The facility or home is out of compliance with ORS 443.002 or 443.400 to 443.455 or the rules of the licensing agency.

      (2) In cases where an imminent danger to the health or safety of the residents exists, a license may be suspended immediately. [2021 c.316 §2]

 

      443.420 Qualifications for license. (1) A person applying for a license under ORS 443.415 must, in the judgment of the director of the licensing agency, be a person:

      (a) Who demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of the rules governing residential facilities;

      (b) Mentally and physically capable of caring for such residents; and

      (c) Who employs or utilizes only individuals whose presence does not jeopardize the health, safety or welfare of residents.

      (2) A residential facility may not be operated or maintained in combination with a nursing home or hospital unless:

      (a) The residential facility is licensed, maintained and operated as a separate and distinct part; or

      (b) The residential facility is licensed as a conversion facility under ORS 443.431.

      (3) All physical residential facilities used for residents must meet applicable requirements of the State Fire Marshal.

      (4) As of the date of licensure, a residential facility must be in substantial compliance with applicable state and local laws, rules, codes, ordinances and permit requirements.

      (5) Prior to licensure, a residential facility that proposes to house persons under the age of 21 years shall submit written proof to the licensing agency demonstrating that the facility will:

      (a) Comply with ORS 336.575; and

      (b) Ensure that the children who reside at the residential facility receive appropriate educational services that are:

      (A) Comprehensive and age-appropriate;

      (B) In compliance with requirements of state and federal law; and

      (C) If applicable, in compliance with the individual education program of the child.

      (6) Prior to an initial licensure of a residential care facility, the licensing agency shall consider:

      (a) The license applicant’s history of regulatory compliance and operational experience;

      (b) The willingness of the license applicant to serve underserved populations; and

      (c) The willingness of the license applicant to contract with the licensing agency to provide services through the state medical assistance program.

      (7)(a) The licensing agency may not issue an initial license to a residential care facility if the facility has not conducted a market study that assesses the need for the services offered by the facility in the geographic area served by the facility.

      (b) This subsection does not apply to a conversion facility licensed under ORS 443.431.

      (8) Prior to the issuance of an initial license to a residential training facility or a residential training home, and upon an application for a renewal of a license of a residential training facility or a residential training home, the licensing agency shall consider the license applicant’s history of regulatory and safety compliance and operational experience in this state or any other jurisdiction as prescribed by rule by the licensing agency. [1977 c.717 §4; 1985 c.264 §3; 2008 c.18 §12; 2009 c.595 §781; 2011 c.105 §1; 2015 c.241 §1; 2017 c.679 §21; 2021 c.316 §3]

 

      443.421 Revocation and suspension of licenses; procedure. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority may revoke or suspend the license of any residential care facility that is not operated in accordance with ORS 443.002 or 443.400 to 443.455 or the rules of the licensing agency. Such revocation or suspension must be taken in accordance with rules of the licensing agency and ORS chapter 183. However, in cases where an imminent danger to the health or safety of the residents exists, a license may be suspended immediately pending a fair hearing not later than the 10th day after such suspension.

      (2)(a) In a case where an imminent danger to the health or safety of the residents exists, a residential care facility license may be suspended immediately.

      (b) The residential care facility is entitled to a contested case hearing to appeal an order of immediate suspension in accordance with procedures adopted by the Department of Justice by rule concerning emergency license suspensions.

      (c) When the Department of Human Services issues an immediate suspension order under this subsection, the department may:

      (A) Transition all residents of the residential care facility to other residential facilities; or

      (B) Appoint a management company with demonstrated skill and experience in operating residential facilities to manage the residential care facility and care for the residents of the facility. If the facility is unable to pay for the appointed management company, the department shall use funds from the facility trustee account fund to cover the cost. [Formerly 443.440; 2021 c.316 §4]

 

      443.422 Siting of licensed residential facilities. (1) To prevent the perpetuation of segregated housing patterns, the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority, shall determine the location and type of licensed residential facilities and the location of facilities subject to the provisions of ORS 169.690.

      (2) Before a license is issued for a residential facility as defined in ORS 443.400, the issuing agency shall determine the number and type of any other licensed residential facilities and the number and type of facilities subject to the provisions of ORS 169.690 within a 1,200 foot radius.

      (3) None of the data collected under this section shall be used in a manner that violates the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. [1989 c.564 §11; 2009 c.595 §782]

 

      Note: 443.422 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 443 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.424 Expansion of capacity of residential care facilities and adult foster homes; reports to Legislative Assembly. (1) The Department of Human Services, in cooperation with representatives of residential facilities and adult foster homes, shall:

      (a) Assess the capacity on January 1, 2008, of residential facilities and adult foster homes to serve residents who qualify for state medical assistance;

      (b) Establish targets for expansion of the capacity assessed in paragraph (a) of this subsection in each area of the state; and

      (c) Issue a report on changes in capacity on a quarterly basis.

      (2) The department shall report semiannually to the Legislative Assembly or the Emergency Board the findings in subsection (1) of this section and any recommendations for legislative action. [2008 c.18 §15]

 

      Note: 443.424 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.425 License term; contents; renewal; fee. (1) Licensure under ORS 443.415 is effective for two years from the date of issue unless sooner revoked. Each license shall state:

      (a) The name of the person operating the residential facility;

      (b) The name of the person who owns the residential facility and, for a residential training facility or a residential training home, all persons with an ownership interest of five percent or more;

      (c) The address of the premises to which the license applies and the maximum number of residents to be maintained in the residential facility at any time whether the residential facility is licensed as a residential training facility, a residential treatment facility, a residential care facility, a residential training home or residential treatment home; and

      (d) Other information that the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority considers necessary.

      (2) A license is renewable upon submission of an application to the department or the authority and payment of a renewal fee. No fee is required of a governmentally operated residential facility. Filing of an application for renewal before the date of expiration of a license extends the effective date of expiration of the license until the licensing agency has acted upon the application. The licensing agency shall refuse to renew a license if:

      (a) The facility is not substantially in compliance with all applicable laws and rules;

      (b) For a residential care facility, the facility has failed an inspection of the kitchen or other areas where food is prepared for residents that was conducted by the department in accordance with ORS 443.417, except as provided in ORS 443.417 (2); or

      (c) The State Fire Marshal, deputy or approved authority has given notice of noncompliance of a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential treatment facility pursuant to ORS 479.220.

      (3)(a) The biennial renewal fee for a residential training facility or a residential treatment facility is $60.

      (b) The biennial renewal fee for a residential training home is $50.

      (c) The biennial renewal fee for a residential treatment home is $30.

      (d) The biennial renewal fee for a residential care facility is:

      (A) For a facility with one to 15 beds, $1,000.

      (B) For a facility with 16 to 49 beds, $1,500.

      (C) For a facility with 50 to 99 beds, $2,000.

      (D) For a facility with 100 to 150 beds, $2,500.

      (E) For a facility with more than 150 beds, $3,000. [1977 c.717 §9; 1983 c.47 §1; 1983 c.740 §162; 1987 c.548 §3; 2009 c.595 §783; 2009 c.837 §27; 2017 c.679 §13a; 2017 c.707 §5; 2019 c.592 §6; 2021 c.316 §5]

 

      443.430 Transferability of license; disposition of license fees. (1) A license under ORS 443.415 is not transferable or applicable to any location, residential facility or management other than that indicated on the application for licensure.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section:

      (a) All moneys collected under ORS 443.400 to 443.455 for the purpose of licensing a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home shall be deposited in a special account in the General Fund and are continuously appropriated for payment of expenses incurred by the Department of Human Services in administering and enforcing ORS 443.400 to 443.455.

      (b) All moneys collected under ORS 443.400 to 443.455 for the purpose of licensing a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home shall be deposited in a special account in the General Fund and are continuously appropriated for payment of expenses incurred by the Oregon Health Authority in administering and enforcing ORS 443.400 to 443.455.

      (3) All moneys collected from a residential care facility under ORS 443.415, 443.425 or 443.455 shall be deposited in the Quality Care Fund established in ORS 443.001. [1977 c.717 §10; 1983 c.47 §2; 2009 c.595 §784; 2009 c.828 §88; 2021 c.97 §60]

 

      443.431 Conversion facilities; fee; rules. (1) A facility that is licensed as a long term care facility under ORS 441.025 may apply to the Department of Human Services for licensure as a conversion facility. The department shall issue a conversion facility license upon receipt of an application and a fee that meet requirements established by the department by rule.

      (2)(a) The department shall adopt rules governing the conversion of a facility’s license from a long term care facility license to a residential care facility license and the regulation of the facility during the conversion period.

      (b) As of the date of licensure as a conversion facility, the conversion facility must be in substantial compliance with applicable state and local laws, rules, codes, ordinances and permit requirements.

      (3) As used in this section, “substantial compliance” means a level of compliance with state law and with rules of the department such that any identified deficiencies pose a risk of no more than negligible harm to the health or safety of residents. [2017 c.679 §20]

 

      443.432 Acuity-based staffing tool. (1) The Department of Human Services shall develop or obtain, maintain and use, in collaboration with residential care facilities, an objective, technology-based, acuity-based staffing tool. The department may use the tool to:

      (a) Evaluate whether a residential care facility has qualified awake caregivers sufficient in number to meet the 24-hour scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident; and

      (b) Assess the number of direct care staff hours required by a particular residential care facility to meet each resident’s scheduled and unscheduled needs.

      (2) The acuity-based staffing tool shall be made available to residential care facilities to:

      (a) Enable the residential care facilities to assess their staffing needs and determine whether they have a sufficient number of qualified awake caregivers to meet the 24-hour scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident;

      (b) Communicate the required staffing needs and each residential care facility’s staffing plan to residents, their family members and other persons; and

      (c) Demonstrate to the department that the residential care facility’s staffing plan meets the 24-hour scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident.

      (3) The department is not required to use the tool described in this section in every circumstance in which residential care facility staffing is evaluated, but the department must use the tool in collaboration with the facility if the department is considering imposing a staffing requirement on a facility as part of a licensing condition and the department and the facility are not in agreement about whether staffing meets the residents’ scheduled and unscheduled needs or the staffing standards proposed by the department. [2017 c.679 §24]

 

      443.433 Direct care staff training in dementia care; rules. (1) In addition to any other training required by law, all direct care staff employed by a residential care facility shall, prior to providing direct care to residents of the facility, complete training in dementia care that includes:

      (a) Education on the dementia disease process, including the progression of the disease, memory loss, psychiatric and behavioral symptoms;

      (b) Techniques for understanding and managing behavioral symptoms, including but not limited to reducing the use of antipsychotic medications for nonstandard uses;

      (c) Strategies for addressing the social needs of persons with dementia and providing them with meaningful activities; and

      (d) Information on addressing specific aspects of dementia care and ensuring the safety of residents with dementia, including but not limited to how to:

      (A) Address pain;

      (B) Provide food and fluids;

      (C) Prevent wandering and elopement; and

      (D) Use a person-centered approach.

      (2) A residential care facility shall provide a certificate of completion to direct care staff who complete the training described in subsection (1) of this section. If a member of the direct care staff is employed by a different residential care facility no later than 24 months after completing the training, the facility may elect to not require the staff member to repeat the training.

      (3) In addition to the training described in subsection (1) of this section, direct care staff each must complete annually at least six hours of training in dementia care. This training may be part of any existing continuing education requirement imposed by law.

      (4) All training in dementia care provided to direct care staff must be approved by a private or nonprofit organization that is approved by the Department of Human Services and that has expertise and specializes in educational training for residential care facility staff.

      (5) All training in dementia care provided to direct care staff must reflect current standards for dementia care and be informed by the best evidence in the care and treatment of dementia.

      (6) The department shall prescribe by rule how to assess the competency of direct care staff. [2017 c.679 §25]

 

      443.434 Staffing data. A residential training facility or residential training home licensed by the Department of Human Services shall submit annual staffing data to a nationally standardized reporting survey organization specified by the Department of Human Services. The department shall obtain state-specific data from the nationally standardized reporting survey organization, disaggregated by provider. [2017 c.707 §3]

 

      443.435 [1977 c.717 §11; 2005 c.22 §309; 2009 c.595 §785; renumbered 443.416 in 2019]

 

      443.436 Enhanced oversight and supervision program. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Consistently” means regularly and typically.

      (b) “Substantial compliance” means a level of compliance with state law and with rules of the Department of Human Services such that any identified deficiencies pose a risk of no more than negligible harm to the health or safety of residents.

      (2)(a) The department shall develop a framework for assessing the compliance of residential care facilities with regulatory requirements and for requiring corrective action that accurately and equitably measures compliance and the extent of noncompliance.

      (b) The framework must include but is not limited to measures of the severity and scope of a residential care facility’s noncompliance, including but not limited to:

      (A) Whether the facility has qualified awake direct care staff in sufficient numbers to consistently meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident 24 hours a day; and

      (B) The impact of any compliance deficiencies on the rights, health, welfare and safety of the residents.

      (c) The department shall publish the framework on the department’s website and shall distribute the framework to residential care facilities licensed in this state.

      (3) The department shall administer a residential care facility enhanced oversight and supervision program that focuses department resources on residential care facilities that consistently demonstrate:

      (a) A lack of substantial compliance with the requirements of ORS 443.400 to 443.455 or rules adopted to implement ORS 443.400 to 443.455; or

      (b) Performance substantially below statewide averages on quality metrics reported under the Residential Care Quality Measurement Program established under ORS 443.446.

      (4) The residential care facility enhanced oversight and supervision program shall take one or more of the following actions that the department deems necessary to improve the performance of a residential care facility:

      (a) Increase the frequency of surveys of the residential care facility.

      (b) Conduct surveys that focus on areas of consistent noncompliance identified by the department.

      (c) Impose one or more conditions on the license of the facility under ORS 441.736.

      (5) The department shall terminate the enhanced oversight and supervision of a residential care facility:

      (a) After three years if the residential care facility has shown through at least two consecutive in-person site surveys and reported quality metrics that the residential care facility no longer meets the criteria set forth in subsection (3) of this section; or

      (b) After one year if the residential care facility submits a written assertion of substantial compliance and the department determines that the residential care facility no longer meets the criteria set forth in subsection (3) of this section.

      (6) The department shall publish notice on the department’s website, including any website where the public can access a database of long term care facilities, of any residential care facility that is in the enhanced oversight and supervision program.

      (7) Using moneys from the Quality Care Fund established under ORS 443.001, the department shall develop, maintain and periodically update compliance guidelines for residential care facilities serving seniors and persons with disabilities. The guidelines must be made available electronically.

      (8) This section does not preclude the department from taking any action authorized by ORS 443.400 to 443.455. [2017 c.679 §23; 2021 c.338 §7; 2021 c.392 §5]

 

      443.437 [1983 c.328 §4; 2007 c.71 §133; renumbered 443.448 in 2021]

 

      443.438 [2017 c.679 §27; renumbered 443.449 in 2021]

 

      443.439 Increases in compensation of direct support professionals; legislative intent. It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that, when the Legislative Assembly approves increases in funding of services provided by residential training facilities or residential training homes, wages and health benefits paid to direct support professionals in the residential training facilities or residential training homes be increased at a comparable rate. [2017 c.707 §2]

 

      443.440 [1977 c.717 §12; 2005 c.22 §310; 2009 c.595 §786; 2009 c.828 §32; 2017 c.679 §26; renumbered 443.421 in 2019]

 

      443.441 Assessment of sufficient numbers of direct care staff; complaint investigations. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Consistently” means regularly and typically.

      (b) “Direct care staff” means staff who provide services for residents that include assistance with daily living, medication administration, resident-focused activities, supervision and support.

      (c) “Facility” includes a:

      (A) Residential care facility as defined in ORS 443.400; and

      (B) Facility with a memory care endorsement under ORS 443.886.

      (2) In determining whether a facility has qualified awake direct care staff in sufficient numbers to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident 24 hours a day as prescribed by rule, the Department of Human Services shall conduct an assessment, in accordance with rules for home and community-based settings adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and consider whether the facility consistently:

      (a) Implements and maintains a current person-centered service plan for each resident as required by rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;

      (b) Provides timely access, 24 hours a day, to all supports needed for activities of daily living including eating, hydration, toileting, hygiene, bathing, dressing, oral care and other supports included in the resident’s person-centered service plan;

      (c) Provides a timely response to issues impacting the dignity of the resident, including but not limited to wet or soiled briefs, clothing or linens; and

      (d) Delivers care according to the schedule and procedures outlined in the resident’s person-centered service plan, including but not limited to wound care, medication administration, pain control, behavior support, cueing and repositioning.

      (3) For a complaint of a licensing violation, other than abuse, that alleges harm or potential harm to a resident or for a complaint that a facility does not have qualified awake direct care staff in sufficient numbers to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident 24 hours a day:

      (a) The department shall begin an investigation without undue delay; and

      (b) The investigator shall:

      (A) Assess whether the facility has qualified awake direct care staff in sufficient numbers to consistently meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident 24 hours a day pursuant to the criteria prescribed by rule under subsection (2) of this section; and

      (B) Write an investigation report that includes:

      (i) The investigator’s personal observations;

      (ii) A review of documents and records;

      (iii) A summary of all witness statements; and

      (iv) A statement of the factual basis for the findings for each incident or problem alleged in the complaint, including the investigator’s assessment of staffing levels and whether the facility has qualified awake direct care staff in sufficient numbers to consistently meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of each resident 24 hours a day. [2021 c.392 §1]

 

      Note: 443.441 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.443 Information provided upon application for admission. (1) A residential care facility, which includes an assisted living facility, shall provide, at a minimum, the following information to an individual or any person acting on behalf of the individual at the time the individual applies for admission to the residential care facility and upon request:

      (a) A summary explanation of the services provided by the facility;

      (b) A summary explanation of the types of care that the facility does not provide;

      (c) A statement that if the facility is not capable of meeting the resident’s needs for care and services, the facility may require the resident to pursue other options, including by moving to another facility or care setting;

      (d) A statement that if a resident leaves the facility to receive acute medical, psychiatric, nursing facility or other care, before the resident may return to the facility, the facility will first evaluate whether the facility is capable of meeting the resident’s care needs and, if not, the resident will not be permitted to return to the facility;

      (e) A statement of a resident’s right to appeal if the facility requires the resident to leave the facility or does not permit the resident to return to the facility, as described in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection; and

      (f) A statement of whether the facility will arrange for or otherwise coordinate hospice care for a resident upon request.

      (2) The information described in subsection (1) of this section must:

      (a) Be in writing;

      (b) Be written in plain English;

      (c) Be explained to the individual or the person acting on behalf of the individual in a manner the individual or person understands;

      (d) Be provided separately from all other disclosure and residency agreement documents; and

      (e) Require the signature of the individual or the person acting on behalf of the individual acknowledging that the individual or person understands the content and the implications of the information.

      (3) A residential care facility must update and submit to the Department of Human Services the information described in this section at any time there is a change in management or ownership of the facility. The department shall make the information available to the public on the department’s facility search website. [2019 c.554 §2; 2021 c.655 §2]

 

      443.444 Information provided upon admission. Upon the admission of a resident to a residential care facility, the facility shall provide the resident with information developed by the Long Term Care Ombudsman describing the availability and services of the ombudsman. [2019 c.117 §4]

 

      443.445 Persons admissible at facilities and homes; transfer of persons requiring certain treatment; operation of facilities by persons relying on spiritual means for healing. (1) A residential facility may not admit individuals who require continuous nursing care except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, if any resident of a residential facility requires nursing care for eight or more consecutive days or a physician or the designee of a physician, a naturopathic physician or a registered nurse certifies that continued nursing care is required, the resident shall be transferred to an appropriate health care facility for as long as necessary.

      (3) A resident of a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home who requires nursing care in addition to training or care needs, or any combination thereof, may be served by that facility or home with approval from the Department of Human Services and in accordance with the rules of the department and consistent with rules adopted by the Oregon State Board of Nursing under ORS 678.150 (8).

      (4) A resident of a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home who requires nursing care in addition to treatment needs may be served by that facility or home with approval from the Oregon Health Authority and in accordance with the rules of the authority and consistent with rules adopted by the Oregon State Board of Nursing under ORS 678.150 (8).

      (5) A residential facility may not admit individuals of categories other than those designated on its license without prior written consent of the licensing agency.

      (6) In the case of residential facilities supervised by and operated exclusively for persons who rely upon prayer or spiritual means for healing in accordance with the creed or tenets of a well-recognized church or religious denomination, no medical, psychological or rehabilitative procedures shall be required. [1977 c.717 §5; 1991 c.292 §2; 2001 c.900 §185; 2009 c.535 §33; 2009 c.595 §787; 2017 c.356 §72]

 

      443.446 Residential Care Quality Measurement Program. (1) The Residential Care Quality Measurement Program is established in the Department of Human Services. Under the program, the department shall, no later than July 1 of each year, publish an annual report, based on data reported by each residential care facility under subsection (2) of this section. Excluding data that identifies a resident, the report must include data compilation, illustration and narratives to:

      (a) Describe statewide patterns and trends that emerge from the data reported to the department under subsection (2) of this section and compliance data maintained by the department;

      (b) Identify residential care facilities that substantially failed to report data as required by this section;

      (c) Allow residential care facilities and the public to compare a residential care facility’s performance on each quality metric, by demographics, geographic region, facility type and other categories the department believes may be useful to consumers and facilities;

      (d) Show trends in performance on each of the quality metrics;

      (e) Identify patterns of performance by geographic regions and other categories the department believes will be useful to consumers;

      (f) Identify the number, severity and scope of regulatory violations by each geographic region; and

      (g) Show average timelines for surveys and for investigations of abuse or regulatory noncompliance.

      (2) Each residential care facility shall report, no later than January 31 of each year and in the form and manner prescribed by the Quality Measurement Council established under ORS 443.447, the quality metrics developed by the council under ORS 443.447.

      (3) The department shall make available an annual report to each residential care facility that reports quality metrics under subsection (2) of this section using data compilation, illustration and narratives to allow the residential care facility to measure and compare its quality metrics over time.

      (4) The department shall make available to the public in a standard format and in plain language the data reported by each residential care facility, excluding information that identifies a resident.

      (5) The department shall, using moneys from the Quality Care Fund established under ORS 443.001:

      (a) Develop online training modules to address the top two statewide issues identified by surveys or reviews of residential care facilities during the previous year; and

      (b) Post and regularly update the data used to prepare the report described in subsection (1) of this section.

      (6) The Quality Measurement Council, in consultation with the department, shall establish a uniform system for residential care facilities to report quality metrics as required by subsection (2) of this section. The system must:

      (a) Allow for electronic reporting of data, to the greatest extent practicable; and

      (b) Take into account and utilize existing data reporting systems used by residential care facilities.

      (7)(a) Quality metric data reported to the department under this section may not be used as the basis for an enforcement action by the department nor may the data be disclosed to another agency for use in an enforcement or regulatory action.

      (b) Quality metric data are not admissible as evidence in any civil action, including but not limited to judicial, administrative, arbitration or mediation proceedings.

      (c) Quality metric data reported to the department are not subject to:

      (A) Civil or administrative subpoena; or

      (B) Discovery in connection with a civil action, including but not limited to judicial, administrative, arbitration or mediation proceedings.

      (8) Subsection (7) of this section does not exempt a residential care facility from complying with state law or prohibit the department’s use of quality metric data obtained from another source in the normal course of business or compliance activity. [2017 c.679 §15; 2017 c.679 §17]

 

      443.447 Quality Measurement Council. (1) The Quality Measurement Council is established in the Department of Human Services to prescribe how the department shall implement the Residential Care Quality Measurement Program established under ORS 443.446.

      (2) The council consists of nine members, appointed by the Governor, as follows:

      (a) One individual representing the Oregon Patient Safety Commission;

      (b) One individual representing residential care facilities;

      (c) One consumer representative from an Alzheimer’s advocacy organization;

      (d) One licensed health care practitioner with experience in geriatrics;

      (e) Two individuals associated with an academic institution who have expertise in research using data and analytics and in community-based care and quality reporting;

      (f) The Long Term Care Ombudsman or a designee of the Long Term Care Ombudsman;

      (g) One individual representing the department; and

      (h) One direct care worker or a representative of a direct care worker who works in a residential care facility.

      (3)(a) On and after January 1, 2022, the council may update by rule the quality metrics to be reported by residential care facilities under ORS 443.446.

      (b) In developing quality metrics the council shall consider whether the data that must be reported reflect and promote quality care and whether reporting the data is unnecessarily burdensome on residential care facilities. [2017 c.679 §16; 2021 c.655 §1]

 

      443.448 Choice of prescription and nonprescription drugs and supplies. (1) As used in this section, “supplier” includes an authorized representative of the patient who purchases nonprescription medication or nonprescription sickroom supplies at retail.

      (2) A resident in a residential facility must have a choice:

      (a) From among prescription drug delivery systems as long as the system selected:

      (A) Provides for timely delivery of drugs;

      (B) Provides adequate protection to prevent tampering with drugs;

      (C) Provides that drugs are delivered in a unit of use compatible with the established system of the facility for dispensing drugs, whether that system is provided by a facility pharmacy or by a contract with a pharmacy; and

      (D) Provides a 24-hour emergency service procedure either directly or by contract with another pharmacy;

      (b) From among suppliers of nonprescription medication, although no facility is required to accept any opened container of such medication; and

      (c) From among suppliers of nonprescription sickroom supplies as long as any items supplied can be maintained in a clean manner with equipment available at the facility.

      (3) If the established system of the facility, whether that system is provided by a facility pharmacy or a pharmacy under contract, provides patient profile information, the pharmacy chosen by the resident under subsection (2)(a) of this section must also provide that information for any resident it serves at the facility. [Formerly 443.437]

 

      443.449 Prescription drug packaging. (1) A residential care facility shall ensure that prescription drugs dispensed to residents of the facility are packaged in a manner that reduces errors in the tracking of and the administration of the drugs, including but not limited to the use of unit dose systems or blister packs.

      (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to residents receiving pharmacy benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs if the pharmacy benefits do not reimburse the cost of such packaging. [Formerly 443.438]

 

      443.450 Rules. (1) For a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home, the Director of Human Services shall adopt rules governing:

      (a) The physical properties of the facility or home;

      (b) Storage, preparation and serving of food;

      (c) Care or training to be provided;

      (d) The number, experience and training of the staff; and

      (e) Any other factors affecting the care or training provided.

      (2) For a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home, the Director of the Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules governing:

      (a) The physical properties of the facility or home;

      (b) Storage, preparation and serving of food;

      (c) Treatment to be provided;

      (d) The number, experience and training of the staff; and

      (e) Any other factors affecting the treatment provided.

      (3) Distinct rules shall be adopted for homes of five or fewer residents, for facilities of six or more but fewer than 16 residents, and for facilities for 16 or more residents. The rules shall differentiate among categories of residents.

      (4) For purposes of this section, “categories” refers to different populations of residents, differentiated by, but not limited to, age and need, as defined by the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority by rule. [1977 c.717 §6; 1991 c.801 §3; 2009 c.595 §788; 2011 c.720 §199]

 

      443.452 Waiver procedure. (1) The Director of Human Services shall waive the requirements of ORS 443.410 for a residential care facility caring for residents with physical disabilities if:

      (a) Each resident is over 16 years of age;

      (b) No more than five individuals with physical disabilities reside in any one building of the facility; and

      (c) The residential care facility complies with the applicable requirements of the State Fire Marshal.

      (2) As used in this section, “building” means any structure that does not share a common wall or roof with another structure. [1981 c.285 §§2,3; 1989 c.224 §97; 2007 c.70 §247; 2017 c.679 §45]

Note: 443.452 (1) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.453 Interference with employee or volunteer disclosure of information concerning practice that threatens health or safety of residents prohibited. (1) A residential facility may not interfere with the good faith disclosure of information by an employee or volunteer concerning the abuse or mistreatment of a resident in the residential facility, violations of licensing or certification requirements, criminal activity at the facility, violations of state or federal laws or any practice that threatens the health and safety of a resident of the facility to:

      (a) The Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Residential Facilities Ombudsman, the Department of Human Services, a law enforcement agency or other entity with legal or regulatory authority over the residential facility; or

      (b) A family member, guardian, friend or other person who is acting on behalf of the resident.

      (2) Unless performed with the intent to comply with state or federal law, including but not limited to protecting residents’ rights or carrying out a facility’s policies and procedures that are consistent with state and federal law, it is interference with the disclosure of information as described in subsection (1) of this section if a residential facility:

      (a) Asks or requires the employee or volunteer to sign a nondisclosure or similar agreement prohibiting the employee or volunteer from disclosing the information;

      (b) Trains an employee or volunteer not to disclose the information; or

      (c) Takes actions or communicates to the employee or volunteer that the employee or volunteer may not disclose the information.

      (3) The licensing agency may revoke or suspend the license of a residential facility that is found to have violated subsection (1) of this section.

      (4) The department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (5) This section does not authorize the disclosure of:

      (a) Protected health information, as defined in ORS 192.556, other than as is permitted by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations, 45 C.F.R. parts 160 and 164, ORS 192.553 to 192.581 or by other state or federal laws limiting the disclosure of health information; or

      (b) Information protected under ORS 419A.255 and 419A.257. [2019 c.381 §4]

 

      443.454 Provision of opioid overdose reversal medication upon discharge, release or transfer of resident from facility where resident received addiction treatment. (1) As used in this section, “facility” means a residential care facility, residential treatment facility or residential treatment home licensed under ORS 443.410.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 689.800, upon the discharge or release of a resident, a facility shall provide to the resident at least two doses of an opioid overdose reversal medication and the necessary medical supplies to administer the medication if:

      (a) The resident received addiction treatment at the facility for a current opioid use disorder; and

      (b) The resident is discharged, released or transferred to an unlicensed private residence or other unlicensed setting.

      (3)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a person who is acting in good faith, if the act does not constitute wanton misconduct, is immune from civil liability for any act or omission of an act committed during the course of providing to a resident opioid overdose reversal medications, and the necessary medical supplies to administer the medications, under subsection (2) of this section.

      (b) This subsection does not apply to a person involved in the manufacture or sale of opioid overdose reversal medication.

      (4) The requirements of subsection (2) of this section do not apply if a resident leaves the facility against the facility’s advice. [2023 c.297 §6]

 

      Note: Section 7, chapter 297, Oregon Laws 2023, provides:

      Sec. 7. The Oregon Health Authority shall facilitate access to opioid overdose reversal medications and the necessary medical supplies to administer the medications for hospitals licensed under ORS chapter 441, long term care facilities as defined in ORS 442.015, facilities as defined in section 4 of this 2023 Act [430.263] and facilities as defined in section 6 of this 2023 Act [443.454] for the purposes of carrying out sections 2 [441.052], 3 [441.698], 4 and 6 of this 2023 Act. [2023 c.297 §7]

 

      443.455 Civil penalties; rules. (1) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, for purposes of imposing civil penalties, residential facilities approved under ORS 443.400 to 443.455 are subject to ORS 441.705 to 441.745.

      (2)(a) The Director of Human Services shall impose penalties on residential care facilities pursuant to ORS 441.731.

      (b) The director shall impose penalties pursuant to ORS 427.900 on residential training facilities and residential training homes that are not in compliance with ORS 443.400 to 443.455.

      (3) The Director of the Oregon Health Authority shall by rule prescribe a schedule of penalties for residential treatment facilities and residential treatment homes that are not in compliance with ORS 443.400 to 443.455.

      (4) If the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority investigates and makes a finding of abuse arising from deliberate or other than accidental action or inaction that is likely to cause a negative outcome by a person with a duty of care toward a resident of a residential facility, other than a residential care facility, and if the abuse resulted in the death, serious injury, rape or sexual abuse of a resident, the department or authority shall impose a civil penalty of not less than $2,500 for each occurrence of substantiated abuse, not to exceed $15,000 in any 90-day period. As used in this subsection:

      (a) “Negative outcome” includes serious injury, rape, sexual abuse or death.

      (b) “Rape” means rape in the first degree as defined in ORS 163.375, rape in the second degree as defined in ORS 163.365 and rape in the third degree as defined in ORS 163.355.

      (c) “Serious injury” means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious and protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment of health or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.

      (d) “Sexual abuse” means any form of sexual contact between an employee of a residential facility or a person providing services in the residential facility and a resident of that facility, including but not limited to sodomy, sexual coercion, sexually explicit photographing and sexual harassment.

      (5) Civil penalties recovered from a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home shall be deposited in the Long Term Care Ombudsman Account established in ORS 441.419. [1977 c.717 §13; 1991 c.801 §4; 2001 c.900 §186; 2005 c.22 §311; 2009 c.595 §789; 2009 c.828 §89; 2013 c.717 §15; 2014 c.104 §11; 2017 c.679 §6; 2019 c.13 §48; 2023 c.206 §6]

 

      443.460 Exemptions. (1) The Director of Human Services may exempt from the license, inspection and fee provisions of ORS 443.400 to 443.455 residential care facilities in those counties where there is a county agency which provides similar programs for licensing and inspection that the director finds are equal to or superior to the requirements of ORS 443.400 to 443.455.

      (2) Pursuant to an exemption as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the director may provide funds and other resources to the county necessary to enable the county to perform the licensing and inspection functions. [1987 c.548 §4; 2009 c.595 §790]

 

      443.465 Secure residential treatment homes and facilities; rules. (1) The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules applicable to secure residential treatment homes and facilities as defined in ORS 443.400 that house persons who, as a condition of release under ORS 161.315 to 161.351, are required to live in a secure home or facility. The rules must:

      (a) Provide minimum security, health and safety standards;

      (b) Require the home or facility to have an emergency preparedness plan;

      (c) Set minimum training standards for the staff of the home or facility; and

      (d) Ensure compliance with any orders of the court or the Psychiatric Security Review Board.

      (2) As used in this section, a residential treatment home or facility is “secure” if a resident exit from the home, facility or grounds of the home or facility is restricted through the use of locking devices on resident exit doors, gates or other closures. [2009 c.475 §1; 2011 c.720 §200]

 

      Note: 443.465 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.475 [1977 c.284 §2; repealed by 1983 c.47 §3]

 

REGISTERED COMMUNITY-BASED STRUCTURED HOUSING FACILITIES

 

      443.480 Definitions for ORS 443.480 to 443.500. As used in ORS 443.480 to 443.500:

      (1) “Activities of daily living” means:

      (a) Bathing and personal hygiene;

      (b) Dressing and grooming;

      (c) Eating;

      (d) Mobility;

      (e) Bowel and bladder management; and

      (f) Cognition.

      (2)(a) “Community-based structured housing” means congregate housing where services and support are provided by the owner or operator of the facility or staff of the facility to assist residents who have mental, emotional, behavioral or substance use disorders.

      (b) “Community-based structured housing” does not include:

      (A) Residential care as defined in ORS 443.400; or

      (B) Publicly supported housing as defined in ORS 456.250.

      (3) “Congregate housing” means housing in which each adult resident has a private or shared bedroom or living quarters and shares with other adult residents a dining room, recreational room and other common areas.

      (4) “Disability” means a physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a functional limitation on one or more activities of daily living.

      (5) “Elderly” means an individual who is 65 years of age or older.

      (6) “Services and support” means living accommodations and services, such as housekeeping, laundry, medication monitoring, transportation or recreational opportunities, excluding treatment and assistance with activities of daily living.

      (7) “Treatment” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.400. [1989 c.581 §5; 2007 c.70 §248; 2015 c.740 §2; 2021 c.242 §1; 2023 c.267 §9]

 

      Note: 443.480 to 443.500 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.485 Registration required; fee; rules; civil penalty; grounds for suspension or revocation of registration. (1) Subject to ORS 443.490, a person that owns or operates a community-based structured housing facility offered to the general public that is not licensed or registered under any other law of this state or under a city or county ordinance or regulation shall register the name and address of the owner or operator if the facility with:

      (a) The Oregon Health Authority if the facility provides services and support to two or more adult residents, not related to the person by blood or marriage, who have mental, emotional, behavioral or substance use disorders; or

      (b) The Department of Human Services if the facility provides services and support to two or more adult residents, not related to the resident by blood or marriage, who are elderly or who have disabilities.

      (2) The registration fee is $20 annually.

      (3) The authority or the department shall establish by rule reasonable and appropriate standards for the operation of facilities subject to ORS 443.480 to 443.500 that fall within their respective jurisdictions. The standards must be consistent with the residential nature of the facilities and must address, at a minimum, the:

      (a) Physical properties of a facility;

      (b) Storage, preparation and serving of food at a facility that provides prepared meals;

      (c) Storage, preparation and dispensing of medications and the assistance provided by staff to adult residents in taking medications; and

      (d) Number, experience and training of the staff of a facility.

      (4) The authority or the department shall provide evidence of the registration to the person. The evidence shall be posted in a facility.

      (5) The authority or the department may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for:

      (a) Operating without registration as required under this section; or

      (b) A violation of ORS 443.880 or 443.881.

      (6) The authority or the department may suspend or revoke registration or deny the issuance of registration for violation of any statute, rule, ordinance or regulation relating to the facility.

      (7) Rules adopted under subsection (3) of this section must avoid imposing on facilities regulated by federal agencies any reporting requirements or review processes that duplicate the reporting requirements or review processes imposed by the federal agency.

      (8) A facility is not required to register with both the authority and the department under this section. If a facility is subject to registration by both the authority and the department, the Director of the Oregon Health Authority and the Director of Human Services shall jointly determine with which agency the facility must register. [1989 c.581 §1; 1991 c.413 §5; 2007 c.70 §249; 2015 c.740 §3; 2021 c.242 §2; 2023 c.267 §10]

 

      Note: See note under 443.480.

 

      443.490 Waiver of registration. If the Oregon Health Authority or the Department of Human Services finds that another governmental entity’s standards for the operation of a facility subject to ORS 443.480 to 443.500 are substantially similar or superior to those under ORS 443.485 (3), the authority or the department may waive the requirements of ORS 443.485. [1989 c.581 §2; 2015 c.740 §4; 2021 c.242 §3; 2023 c.267 §11]

 

      Note: See note under 443.480.

 

      443.495 Exemptions. Nothing in ORS 443.480 to 443.500 applies to:

      (1) Any facility operated by an institution of higher education.

      (2) Any private room and board facility approved by an institution of higher education which has as a resident a student or an employee of the institution.

      (3) Any private or nonprofit retirement facility which does not fall under the generally understood definition of a “room and board facility,” a “boarding house” or a “boarding hotel” and where a majority of the residents are retirees.

      (4) Any privately arranged housing the occupants of which may not be related by blood or marriage. [1989 c.581 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 443.480.

 

      443.500 Investigation of registered facilities; access to facilities. (1) The staff of the Oregon Health Authority or the Department of Human Services shall be permitted access to enter and investigate complaints of abuse in all facilities registered under ORS 443.480 to 443.500 and to ascertain a facility’s compliance with applicable rules, statutes, ordinances and regulations. If the authority has reasonable cause to believe any facility is operating without registration or is in violation of ORS 443.480 to 443.500, the authority or the department may apply to the circuit court for a search warrant.

      (2) Upon complaint of any person:

      (a) The state or local fire inspectors shall be permitted access to enter and inspect facilities registered under ORS 443.480 to 443.500 regarding fire safety.

      (b) The state or local health officers shall be permitted access to enter and inspect facilities registered under ORS 443.480 to 443.500 regarding health and sanitation.

      (3) The owner or operator of a facility may not retaliate against any individual who files a complaint or any witness or employee of a facility interviewed about the complaint, including but not limited to retaliation by restriction of a resident’s otherwise lawful access to the facility and, with respect to an employee, retaliation by dismissal or harassment. [1989 c.581 §4; 2015 c.740 §5; 2021 c.242 §4; 2023 c.267 §12]

 

      Note: See note under 443.480.

 

      443.510 [1981 c.427 §1; 1989 c.224 §98; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

CERTIFICATION OF HOME OR COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES CAREGIVERS

 

      443.515 Training requirements for certification of home or community-based services caregivers; employer verification required; rules. (1) As used in this section and ORS 443.517:

      (a) “Employer” means:

      (A) The Home Care Commission, for caregivers described in paragraph (b)(A) of this subsection.

      (B) An in-home care agency that hires, enters into an arrangement with or contracts with a caregiver described in paragraph (b)(B) of this subsection.

      (b) “Home or community-based services caregiver” or “caregiver” means:

      (A) A home care worker, as defined in ORS 410.600.

      (B) An individual providing in-home care services as an employee of or under an arrangement or contract with an in-home care agency.

      (c) “In-home care agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.305.

      (d) “In-home care services” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.305.

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall adopt by rule criteria for the certification and continuing certification of home or community-based services caregivers. The criteria must include, but are not limited to, requirements that:

      (a) The caregiver:

      (A) Be 18 years of age or older;

      (B) Not be excluded from participation in federal health care programs under 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7a;

      (C) Have in effect a satisfactorily completed criminal records check in accordance with ORS 443.004; and

      (D) Complete all basic training requirements that are relevant to the position and to the health and safety of workers and individuals receiving care, including but not limited to requirements adopted by the department under ORS 410.598 and 443.011; and

      (b) The employer provide to the department verification from a person that provides training, including but not limited to the employer, a training institution, an approved training entity or an apprenticeship program, that the caregiver was provided the training described in paragraph (a)(D) of this subsection. The department shall prescribe by rule the deadline by which the department must receive the verification from the employer following the completion of the training.

      (3) The department shall prescribe an application process and verification requirements for the certification and continuing certification of home or community-based services caregivers.

      (4) Employers are responsible for initiating the certification of home or community-based services caregivers who they employ.

      (5) A home or community-based services caregiver maintains the caregiver’s certification if all training requirements are completed timely. [2022 c.95 §1]

 

      Note: The amendments to 443.515 by section 3, chapter 95, Oregon Laws 2022, become operative December 31, 2024. See section 6, chapter 95, Oregon Laws 2022. The text that is operative on and after December 31, 2024, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      443.515. (1) As used in this section and ORS 443.517:

      (a) “Employer” means:

      (A) The Home Care Commission, for caregivers described in paragraph (b)(A) of this subsection.

      (B) An in-home care agency that hires, enters into an arrangement with or contracts with a caregiver described in paragraph (b)(B) of this subsection.

      (C) An owner or operator of a residential care facility that employs a caregiver described in paragraph (b)(C) of this subsection.

      (b) “Home or community-based services caregiver” or “caregiver” means:

      (A) A home care worker, as defined in ORS 410.600.

      (B) An individual providing in-home care services as an employee of or under an arrangement or contract with an in-home care agency.

      (C) An individual who is direct care staff, as defined in ORS 443.400, in a residential care facility, as defined in ORS 443.400, that includes a residential care facility with a memory care endorsement under ORS 443.886 and an assisted living facility.

      (c) “In-home care agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.305.

      (d) “In-home care services” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.305.

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall adopt by rule criteria for the certification and continuing certification of home or community-based services caregivers. The criteria must include, but are not limited to, requirements that:

      (a) The caregiver:

      (A) Be 18 years of age or older;

      (B) Not be excluded from participation in federal health care programs under 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7a;

      (C) Have in effect a satisfactorily completed criminal records check in accordance with ORS 443.004; and

      (D) Complete all basic training requirements that are relevant to the position and to the health and safety of workers and individuals receiving care, including but not limited to requirements adopted by the department under ORS 410.598 and 443.011; and

      (b) The employer provide to the department verification from a person that provides training, including but not limited to the employer, a training institution, an approved training entity or an apprenticeship program, that the caregiver was provided the training described in paragraph (a)(D) of this subsection. The department shall prescribe by rule the deadline by which the department must receive the verification from the employer following the completion of the training.

      (3) The department shall prescribe an application process and verification requirements for the certification and continuing certification of home or community-based services caregivers.

      (4) Employers are responsible for initiating the certification of home or community-based services caregivers who they employ.

      (5) A home or community-based services caregiver maintains the caregiver’s certification if all training requirements are completed timely.

 

      Note: 443.515 and 443.517 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.517 Online home or community-based services caregiver registry. (1) The Department of Human Services shall maintain an online home or community-based services caregiver registry accessible to the public. The information to be displayed on the registry for each caregiver shall be limited to the:

      (a) Name of the caregiver;

      (b) County and, if applicable, city where the caregiver resides;

      (c) Certification status of the caregiver under ORS 443.515 and any endorsements earned by the caregiver; and

      (d) Criminal records check status of the caregiver.

      (2) The registry shall contain links to:

      (a) Sites that explain the training requirements for the certification of each type of home or community-based services caregiver described in ORS 443.515 (1)(b); and

      (b) The home care registry, as defined in ORS 410.600, for members of the public to find home care workers.

      (3) The department shall create a process for a home or community-based services caregiver to request to be excluded from the registry.

      (4) The department shall prominently display a notice on the registry that states that:

      (a) Home or community-based services caregivers may choose not to be listed on the registry; and

      (b) The registry is not an exclusive list of all home and community-based services caregivers that are qualified and trained in this state.

      (5) The department may include on the registry disclaimers, user guidance and other resources that the department deems appropriate to help users of the registry.

      (6) This section does not prohibit the department from requesting and collecting from home or community-based services caregivers information in addition to the information that must be displayed on the registry under subsection (1) of this section. [2022 c.95 §2]

 

      Note: See second note under 443.515.

 

      443.520 [1981 c.427 §2; 1989 c.224 §99; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.530 [1981 c.427 §3; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.540 [1981 c.427 §4; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.550 [1981 c.427 §5; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.580 [1983 c.293 §1; 1989 c.224 §100; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.590 [1983 c.293 §2; 1989 c.224 §101; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.600 [1983 c.293 §3; 1985 c.544 §1; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.610 [1987 c.351 §1; 1989 c.224 §102; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.620 [1987 c.351 §2; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.630 [1987 c.351 §3; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

      443.640 [1987 c.351 §4; repealed by 1989 c.564 §12]

 

ADULT FOSTER HOMES

 

      443.705 Definitions for ORS 443.705 to 443.825. As used in ORS 443.705 to 443.825:

      (1) “Adult foster home” means any family home or facility in which residential care is provided in a homelike environment for five or fewer adults who are not related to the provider by blood or marriage.

      (2) “Licensed adult foster home” means a home which has been investigated and approved by the licensing agency. This includes an in-person site inspection of the facility.

      (3) “Licensing agency” means:

      (a) The Department of Human Services for adult foster homes licensed by the department.

      (b) The Oregon Health Authority for adult foster homes licensed by the authority.

      (4) “Provider” means any person operating an adult foster home and includes a resident manager. “Provider” does not include the owner or lessor of the building in which the adult foster home is located or the owner or lessor of the land on which the adult foster home is situated unless the owner or lessor is also the operator of the adult foster home.

      (5) “Residential care” means the provision of room and board and services that assist the resident in activities of daily living, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, medication management, money management or recreation.

      (6) “Substitute caregiver” means any person who provides care and services in an adult foster home under the jurisdiction of the licensing agency in the absence of the provider or resident manager. [1983 c.629 §1; 1985 c.663 §1; 1987 c.430 §1; 1991 c.960 §1; 1995 c.180 §1; 1995 c.667 §8; 2001 c.900 §187; 2009 c.595 §791; 2021 c.338 §8]

 

      443.715 Exclusions from definition of “adult foster home.” For purposes of ORS 443.705 to 443.825, “adult foster home” does not include:

      (1) Any house, institution, hotel, or other similar place that supplies board and room only, or room only, or board only, if no resident thereof requires any element of care.

      (2) Any specialized living situation for persons with physical disabilities where the licensing agency provides payment for personal care services other than to an adult foster home provider.

      (3) Any residential facility, as defined in ORS 443.400, licensed and funded by the licensing agency. [1983 c.629 §2; 1985 c.663 §2; 1989 c.224 §103; 1991 c.801 §5; 2001 c.900 §188; 2007 c.70 §250; 2009 c.595 §791a]

 

      443.720 Findings of Legislative Assembly. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (a) Adult foster homes provide needed care and services to thousands of Oregonians who are elderly or have disabilities and who might otherwise be institutionalized;

      (b) The protection of the health, safety and well-being of the residents of adult foster homes is an important function of the licensing agency; and

      (c) Consistent interpretation, application and enforcement of regulatory standards is necessary and desirable for the protection of adult foster home residents.

      (2) It is legislative intent that:

      (a) The licensing agency provide training and guidelines for employees assigned to licensing and enforcement to encourage consistency; and

      (b) The licensing agency take vigorous action to ensure that inspections and investigations are carried out as required by law. [1995 c.667 §7; 2007 c.70 §251; 2009 c.595 §791b]

 

      443.725 License required; on-site provider required; exception; rules. (1) Every provider of adult foster care must be licensed with the licensing agency before opening or operating an adult foster home caring for adult residents.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a provider must live in the home that is to be licensed or hire a resident manager to live in the home.

      (3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, there must be a provider or substitute caregiver on duty 24 hours per day in an adult foster home under the jurisdiction of the licensing agency.

      (4) The licensing agency shall adopt rules establishing standards for granting exceptions to the requirements of subsections (2) and (3) of this section. The standards must be designed to safeguard residents’ health and safety and residents’ uninterrupted receipt of services. [1983 c.629 §3; 1985 c.663 §3; 1991 c.960 §4; 1995 c.667 §9; 2007 c.21 §1; 2009 c.595 §791c]

 

      443.730 Information regarding substitute caregivers required; standards; educational requirements; rules. (1) The provider shall furnish the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the substitute caregivers employed or used by the provider to the licensing agency upon the request of the agency.

      (2) The licensing agency shall require the provider to furnish information describing the planned operation of the adult foster home, including the use of substitute caregivers and other staff, as part of the license application.

      (3) The provider shall not allow a substitute caregiver or other caregiver to provide care to a resident unless the following standards are met and documented:

      (a) The licensing agency has completed a criminal records check in accordance with ORS 443.004. The licensing agency shall adopt rules to provide for the expedited completion of a criminal records check for the State of Oregon when requested by a licensed provider because of an immediate staffing need.

      (b) The substitute caregiver has successfully completed the training required by the licensing agency.

      (c) The caregiver is able to understand and communicate in oral and written English.

      (d) The provider has oriented the caregiver to the residents in the adult foster home, their care needs and the physical characteristics of the home.

      (e) The provider has trained the caregiver to meet the routine and emergency needs of the residents.

      (4) The licensing agency shall establish educational requirements for substitute caregivers and other caregivers designed to impart the practical knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of residents. The training shall include a test established by the licensing agency to be completed by the caregiver. The test shall be completed by the caregiver without the help of any other person. [1995 c.667 §18; 2009 c.595 §791d; 2009 c.837 §30]

 

      Note: 443.730 and 443.740 were added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.733 Collective bargaining. (1) As used in this section, “adult foster care home provider” means a person who operates an adult foster home in the provider’s home and who receives fees or payments from state funds for providing adult foster care home services. “Adult foster care home provider” does not include a person:

      (a) Who is a resident manager of an adult foster home who does not provide adult foster care home services in the resident manager’s own home or who does not have a controlling interest in, or is not an officer or partner in, the entity that is the provider of adult foster care home services;

      (b) Who is not a natural person; or

      (c) Whose participation in collective bargaining is determined by the licensing agency to be inconsistent with this section or in violation of state or federal law.

      (2) For purposes of collective bargaining under ORS 243.650 to 243.809, the State of Oregon is the public employer of record of adult foster care home providers.

      (3) Notwithstanding ORS 243.650 (19), adult foster care home providers are considered to be public employees governed by ORS 243.650 to 243.809. Adult foster care home providers have the right to form, join and participate in the activities of labor organizations of their own choosing for the purposes of representation and collective bargaining on matters concerning labor relations. Mandatory subjects of collective bargaining include but are not limited to provider base rates and add-on payments. These rights shall be exercised in accordance with the rights granted to public employees, with mediation and interest arbitration under ORS 243.742 as the method of concluding the collective bargaining process. Adult foster care home providers may not strike.

      (4) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (3) of this section, adult foster care home providers are not for any other purpose employees of the State of Oregon or any other public body.

      (5)(a) The Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall represent the State of Oregon in collective bargaining negotiations with the certified or recognized exclusive representative of an appropriate bargaining unit of adult foster care home providers. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services is authorized to agree to terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements on behalf of the State of Oregon.

      (b) The department shall report to the legislative review agency, as defined in ORS 291.371, on any new or changed provisions relating to compensation in a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under this section.

      (6) Notwithstanding ORS 243.650 (1), an appropriate bargaining unit for adult foster care home providers is any bargaining unit recognized by the Governor in an executive order issued prior to January 1, 2008.

      (7) This section does not modify any right of an adult receiving foster care. [2007 c.834 §2; 2009 c.595 §791e; 2009 c.869 §1; 2013 c.722 §32a; 2020 s.s.2 c.10 §8]

 

      Note: 443.733 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.734 Adult foster home license classifications; rules. Consistent with the requirements of ORS 443.705 to 443.825:

      (1) The Department of Human Services shall adopt:

      (a) Rules for the licensing of adult foster homes that provide residential care to older adults;

      (b) Rules for the licensing of adult foster homes that provide residential care to individuals with physical disabilities; and

      (c) Rules for the licensing of adult foster homes that provide residential care to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

      (2) The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules for the licensing of adult foster homes that provide residential care to individuals with mental illness. [2019 c.455 §2]

 

      Note: 443.734 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.735 Issuance of license; fee; standards; renewal; burden of proof; rules. (1)(a) Applications for a license to maintain and operate an adult foster home shall be made on forms provided by the licensing agency.

      (b) Each application submitted to the Department of Human Services for an adult foster home serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall be accompanied by a fee prescribed by the department under ORS 427.021.

      (c) Each application submitted to the Oregon Health Authority, or to the Department of Human Services for an adult foster home not serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, shall be accompanied by a fee of $20 per bed requested for licensing.

      (2) Upon receipt of an application and fee, the licensing agency shall conduct an investigation.

      (3) The licensing agency shall not issue an initial license unless:

      (a) The applicant and adult foster home are in compliance with ORS 443.002 and 443.705 to 443.825 and the rules of the licensing agency;

      (b) The licensing agency has completed an inspection of the adult foster home;

      (c) The licensing agency has completed a criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 on the applicant and any person, other than a resident, 16 years of age or older who will be residing in the adult foster home. The criminal records check shall be conducted in accordance with rules adopted under ORS 181A.195;

      (d) The licensing agency has determined that the registry maintained under ORS 441.678 contains no finding that the applicant or any nursing assistant employed by the applicant has been responsible for abuse; and

      (e) The applicant has demonstrated to the licensing agency the financial ability and resources necessary to operate the adult foster home. The licensing agency shall adopt rules as the agency deems appropriate that establish the financial standards an applicant must meet to qualify for issuance of a license and that protect financial information from public disclosure. The demonstration of financial ability under this paragraph shall include, but need not be limited to, providing the licensing agency with a list of any unsatisfied judgments, pending litigation and unpaid taxes and notifying the agency regarding whether the applicant is in bankruptcy. If the applicant is unable to demonstrate the financial ability and resources required by this paragraph, the licensing agency may require the applicant to furnish a financial guarantee as a condition of initial licensure.

      (4) The licensing agency may not renew a license under this section unless:

      (a) The applicant and the adult foster home are in compliance with ORS 443.002, 443.012 and 443.705 to 443.825 and the rules of the licensing agency;

      (b) The licensing agency has completed an inspection of the adult foster home;

      (c) The licensing agency has completed a criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 on the applicant and any person, other than a resident, 16 years of age or older who will be residing in the adult foster home. The criminal records check under this paragraph shall be conducted in accordance with rules adopted under ORS 181A.195; and

      (d) The licensing agency has determined that the registry maintained under ORS 441.678 contains no finding that the applicant or any nursing assistant employed by the applicant has been responsible for abuse.

      (5)(a) In seeking an initial license and renewal of a license when an adult foster home has been licensed for less than 24 months, the burden of proof shall be upon the provider and the adult foster home to establish compliance with ORS 443.705 to 443.825 and the rules of the licensing agency.

      (b) In proceedings for renewal of a license when an adult foster home has been licensed for at least 24 continuous months, the burden of proof shall be upon the licensing agency to establish noncompliance with ORS 443.705 to 443.825 and the rules of the agency.

      (6)(a) Persons who have been convicted of one or more crimes that, as determined by rules of the licensing agency, are substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a provider, substitute caregiver or other household member of an adult foster home shall be prohibited from operating, working in or residing in an adult foster home.

      (b) The licensing agency shall adopt rules that distinguish the criminal convictions and types of abuse that permanently prohibit a person from operating, working in or living in an adult foster home from the convictions and types of abuse that do not permanently prohibit the person from operating, working in or living in an adult foster home.

      (c) A provider may not hire, retain in employment or allow to live in an adult foster home, other than as a resident, any person who the provider knows has been convicted of a disqualifying crime or has been found responsible for a disqualifying type of abuse.

      (7) A license under ORS 443.725 is effective for one year from the date of issue unless sooner revoked. Each license shall state the name of the resident manager of the adult foster home, the names of all providers who own the adult foster home, the address of the premises to which the license applies, the maximum number of residents and the classification of the adult foster home. If, during the period covered by the license, a resident manager changes, the provider must within 15 days request modification of the license. The request must be accompanied by a fee of $10.

      (8) No license under ORS 443.725 is transferable or applicable to any location, persons operating the adult foster home or the person owning the adult foster home other than that indicated on the application for licensing.

      (9) The licensing agency shall not issue a license to operate an additional adult foster home to a provider unless the provider has demonstrated the qualifications and capacity to operate the provider’s existing licensed adult foster homes and has demonstrated the ability to provide to the residents of those adult foster homes care that is adequate and substantially free from abuse and neglect.

      (10)(a) All moneys collected under ORS 443.725 to 443.780 from adult foster homes that are licensed to serve persons with mental, emotional or behavioral disturbances or alcohol or drug dependence shall be deposited in a special account in the General Fund, and are appropriated continuously for payment of expenses incurred by the Oregon Health Authority.

      (b) All moneys collected under ORS 443.725 to 443.780 from adult foster homes licensed to serve persons who are elderly or have physical disabilities shall be deposited in the Quality Care Fund established in ORS 443.001.

      (11) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or ORS 443.725 or 443.738, the licensing agency may issue a 60-day provisional license to a qualified person if the agency determines that an emergency situation exists after being notified that the licensed provider of an adult foster home is no longer overseeing operation of the adult foster home. [1983 c.629 §4; 1985 c.663 §4; 1991 c.960 §5; 1995 c.180 §2; 1995 c.667 §10; 1999 c.205 §1; 2001 c.900 §189; 2005 c.730 §24; 2009 c.418 §4; 2009 c.595 §791f; 2009 c.828 §§20,89a; 2017 c.707 §6; 2019 c.592 §7; 2023 c.206 §4]

 

      443.738 Educational standards for providers, managers and caregivers; rules; exception; duties of providers. (1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, all providers, resident managers and substitute caregivers for adult foster homes shall satisfactorily meet all educational requirements established by the licensing agency. After consultation with representatives of providers, educators, residents’ advocates and the Long Term Care Ombudsman or the Residential Facilities Ombudsman, the licensing agency shall adopt by rule standards governing the educational requirements. The rules shall require that a person may not provide care to any resident prior to acquiring education or supervised training designed to impart the basic knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the resident. Each provider shall document compliance with the educational requirements for persons subject to the requirements.

      (2) The rules required under subsection (1) of this section shall include but need not be limited to the following:

      (a) A requirement that, before being licensed, a provider successfully completes training that satisfies a defined curriculum, including demonstrations and practice in physical caregiving, screening for care and service needs, appropriate behavior toward residents with physical, cognitive and mental disabilities and issues related to architectural accessibility;

      (b) A requirement that a provider pass a test before being licensed or becoming a resident manager. The test shall evaluate the ability to understand and respond appropriately to emergency situations, changes in medical conditions, physicians’ orders and professional instructions, nutritional needs, residents’ preferences and conflicts; and

      (c) A requirement that, after being licensed, a provider or resident manager successfully completes continuing education as described in ORS 443.742.

      (3) After consultation with representatives of providers, educators, residents’ advocates and the Long Term Care Ombudsman or the Residential Facilities Ombudsman, the licensing agency may adopt by rule exceptions to the training requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section for persons who are appropriately licensed medical care professionals in Oregon or who possess sufficient education, training or experience to warrant an exception. The licensing agency may not make any exceptions to the testing requirements.

      (4) The licensing agency may permit a person who has not completed the training or passed the test required in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this section to act as a resident manager until the training and testing are completed or for 60 days, whichever is shorter, if the licensing agency determines that an unexpected and urgent staffing need exists. The licensed provider must notify the licensing agency of the situation and demonstrate that the provider is unable to find a qualified resident manager, that the person has met the requirements for a substitute caregiver for the adult foster home and that the provider will provide adequate supervision.

      (5) Providers shall serve three nutritionally balanced meals to residents each day. A menu for the meals for the coming week shall be prepared and posted weekly.

      (6) Providers shall make available at least six hours of activities each week which are of interest to the residents, not including television or movies. The licensing agency shall make information about resources for activities available to providers upon request. Providers or substitute caregivers shall be directly involved with residents on a daily basis.

      (7) Providers shall give at least 30 days’ written notice to the residents, and to the legal representative, guardian or conservator of any resident, before selling, leasing or transferring the adult foster home business or the real property on which the adult foster home is located. Providers shall inform real estate licensees, prospective buyers, lessees and transferees in all written communications that the license to operate an adult foster home is not transferable and shall refer them to the licensing agency for information about licensing.

      (8) If a resident dies or leaves an adult foster home for medical reasons and indicates in writing the intent to not return, the provider may not charge the resident for more than 15 days or the time specified in the provider contract, whichever is less, after the resident has left the adult foster home. The provider has an affirmative duty to take reasonable actions to mitigate the damages by accepting a new resident. However, if a resident dies or leaves an adult foster home due to neglect or abuse by the provider or due to conditions of imminent danger to life, health or safety, the provider may not charge the resident beyond the resident’s last day in the home. The provider shall refund any advance payments within 30 days after the resident dies or leaves the adult foster home.

      (9) Chemical and physical restraints may be used only after considering all other alternatives and only when required to treat a resident’s medical symptoms or to maximize a resident’s physical functioning. Restraints may not be used for discipline of a resident or for the convenience of the adult foster home. Restraints may be used only as follows:

      (a) Psychoactive medications may be used only pursuant to a prescription that specifies the circumstances, dosage and duration of use.

      (b) Physical restraints may be used only pursuant to a qualified practitioner’s order that specifies the type, circumstances and duration of use in accordance with rules adopted by the licensing agency. The rules adopted by the licensing agency relating to physical restraints shall include standards for use and training.

      (10) If the physical characteristics of the adult foster home do not encourage contact between caregivers and residents and among residents, the provider shall demonstrate how regular positive contact will occur. Providers may not place residents who are unable to walk without assistance in a basement, split-level, second story or other area that does not have an exit at ground level. Nonambulatory residents shall be given first floor rooms.

      (11)(a) The provider may not transfer or discharge a resident from an adult foster home unless the transfer or discharge is necessary for medical reasons, for the welfare of the resident or for the welfare of other residents, or due to nonpayment. In such cases, the provider shall give the resident written notice as soon as possible under the circumstances.

      (b) The provider shall give the resident and the resident’s legal representative, guardian or conservator written notice at least 30 days prior to the proposed transfer or discharge, except in a medical emergency including but not limited to a resident’s experiencing an increase in level of care needs or engaging in behavior that poses an imminent danger to self or others. In such cases, the provider shall give the resident written notice as soon as possible under the circumstances.

      (c) The resident has the right to an administrative hearing prior to an involuntary transfer or discharge. If the resident is being transferred or discharged for a medical emergency, or to protect the welfare of the resident or other residents, as defined by rule, the hearing must be held within seven days of the transfer or discharge. The provider shall hold a space available for the resident pending receipt of an administrative order. ORS 441.605 (4) and the rules thereunder governing transfer notices and hearings for residents of long term care facilities shall apply to adult foster homes.

      (12) The provider may not include any illegal or unenforceable provision in a contract with a resident and may not ask or require a resident to waive any of the resident’s rights.

      (13) Any lessor of a building in which an adult foster home is located may not interfere with the admission, discharge or transfer of any resident in the adult foster home unless the lessor is a provider or coprovider on the license. [1991 c.960 §3; 1995 c.180 §3; 1995 c.667 §11; 2001 c.300 §70; 2003 c.14 §260; 2005 c.226 §1; 2009 c.595 §791g; 2017 c.441 §27]

 

      443.739 Rights of residents. Residents of adult foster homes have the following rights. Providers shall guarantee these rights and help residents exercise them. The provider shall post a copy of the Residents’ Bill of Rights in the entry or other equally prominent place in the adult foster home. The Residents’ Bill of Rights states that each resident of an adult foster home has the right to:

      (1) Be treated as an adult, with respect and dignity.

      (2) Be informed of all resident rights and all house rules.

      (3) Be encouraged and assisted to exercise legal rights, including the right to vote.

      (4) Be informed of the resident’s medical condition and the right to consent to or refuse treatment.

      (5) Receive appropriate care and services, and prompt medical care as needed.

      (6) A safe and secure environment.

      (7) Be free from mental and physical abuse.

      (8) Be free from chemical or physical restraints except as ordered by a physician or other qualified practitioner.

      (9) Complete privacy when receiving treatment or personal care.

      (10) Associate and communicate privately with any person the resident chooses.

      (11) Send and receive personal mail unopened.

      (12) Participate in activities of social, religious and community groups.

      (13) Have medical and personal information kept confidential.

      (14) Keep and use a reasonable amount of personal clothing and belongings, and to have a reasonable amount of private, secure storage space.

      (15) Manage the resident’s own money and financial affairs unless legally restricted.

      (16) Be free from financial exploitation. The provider may not charge or ask for application fees or nonrefundable deposits and may not solicit, accept or receive money or property from a resident other than the amount agreed to for services.

      (17) A written agreement regarding the services to be provided and the rate schedule to be charged. The provider must give 30 days’ written notice before any change in the rates or the ownership of the home.

      (18) Not to be transferred or moved out of the adult foster home without 30 days’ advance written notice and an opportunity for a hearing. A provider may transfer or discharge a resident only for medical reasons including a medical emergency described in ORS 443.738 (11)(b), or for the welfare of the resident or other residents, or for nonpayment.

      (19) Be free of discrimination in regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

      (20) Make suggestions and complaints without fear of retaliation. [1991 c.960 §11; 1995 c.667 §12; 2003 c.14 §261; 2007 c.100 §27; 2021 c.367 §26]

 

      443.740 Information on licensed adult foster homes; availability; content. (1) The licensing agency shall maintain current information on all licensed adult foster homes and shall make that information available, with the exception of information exempt from public disclosure under ORS 192.345, to prospective residents and other interested members of the public at local offices or area agencies on aging licensing offices throughout the state.

      (2) The information shall include:

      (a) The location of the adult foster home;

      (b) A brief description of the physical characteristics of the home;

      (c) The name and mailing address of the provider;

      (d) The license classification of the home and the date the provider was first licensed to operate that home;

      (e) The date of the last inspection, the name and telephone number of the office that performed the inspection and a summary of the findings;

      (f) Copies of all complaint investigations involving the home, together with the findings of the licensing agency, the actions taken by the agency and the outcome of the complaint investigation;

      (g) An explanation of the terms used in the investigation report;

      (h) Any license conditions, suspensions, denials, revocations, civil penalties, exceptions or other actions taken by the licensing agency involving the home; and

      (i) Whether care is provided primarily by the licensed provider, a resident manager or other arrangement.

      (3) Any list of adult foster homes maintained or distributed by the licensing agency or a local licensing office shall include notification to the reader of the availability of public records concerning the homes. [1995 c.667 §17; 1997 c.741 §1; 2001 c.447 §3; 2003 c.14 §262; 2009 c.595 §791h; 2021 c.318 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 443.730.

 

      443.742 Annual continuing education requirements; rules. (1) The licensing agency shall require all providers and resident managers to complete annually 12 hours of continuing education approved by the agency, related to:

      (a) Care of the elderly and persons with disabilities; and

      (b) Business operations of adult foster homes.

      (2) Providers and resident managers may not fulfill the continuing education requirements described in subsection (1) of this section with more than four hours of continuing education related to the business operations of adult foster homes.

      (3) The licensing agency may, by rule, establish continuing education requirements for caregivers who are not providers. [2005 c.226 §3; 2009 c.595 §791i]

 

      Note: 443.742 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.743 Training in dementia care. (1) As used in this section, “caregiver” means an individual who is responsible for providing care and services to residents of an adult foster home, including but not limited to a caregiver and a substitute caregiver.

      (2) In addition to any other training required by law, all caregivers in an adult foster home licensed to serve older adults and persons with physical disabilities by the Department of Human Services shall, prior to providing direct care to residents of the adult foster home, complete training in dementia care that includes:

      (a) Education on the dementia disease process, including the progression of the disease, memory loss, psychiatric and behavioral symptoms;

      (b) Techniques for understanding and managing behavioral symptoms, including but not limited to reducing the use of antipsychotic medications for nonstandard uses;

      (c) Strategies for addressing the social needs of persons with dementia and providing them with meaningful activities; and

      (d) Information on addressing specific aspects of dementia care and ensuring the safety of residents with dementia, including but not limited to how to:

      (A) Address pain;

      (B) Provide food and fluids;

      (C) Prevent wandering and elopement; and

      (D) Use a person-centered approach.

      (3) All training related to dementia care provided to caregivers in an adult foster home licensed by the department must reflect current standards for dementia care and be informed by the best evidence in the care and treatment of persons with dementia. [2017 c.679 §30]

 

      Note: 443.743 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.745 Denial, suspension or revocation; conditional license; review. (1) A license may be denied, suspended, revoked or have conditions attached upon a finding by the licensing agency of any of the following:

      (a) There exists a threat to the health, safety or welfare of any resident.

      (b) There is reliable evidence of abuse, neglect or exploitation of any resident.

      (c) The facility is not operated in compliance with ORS 443.705 to 443.825 or the rules adopted thereunder.

      (d) Such other circumstances as may be established by the licensing agency by rule.

      (2) Conditions attached to a license shall be effective upon order of the director of the licensing agency.

      (3) Suspension or revocation of a license authorized by this section for any reason other than abuse, neglect or exploitation of the resident shall be preceded by a hearing under ORS chapter 183 if requested by the provider.

      (4) If the license is suspended or revoked for the reason of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a resident, the provider may request a review in writing within 10 days after notice of the suspension or revocation. If a request is made, the director shall review all material relating to the allegation of abuse, neglect or exploitation and to the suspension or revocation within 10 days of the request. The director shall determine, based on review of the material, whether or not to sustain the decision to suspend or revoke. If the director determines not to sustain the decision, the license shall be restored immediately. The decision of the director is subject to judicial review as a contested case under ORS chapter 183.

      (5) In the event the license to maintain an adult foster home is ordered suspended or revoked, the licensing agency may withhold service payments until the defective situation is corrected. For protection of residents, the licensing agency may arrange for them to move.

      (6) A provider whose license has been revoked or whose application has been denied shall not be permitted to make a new application for one year from the date the revocation or denial is final, or for a longer period specified in the order revoking or denying the license.

      (7) The licensing agency shall deny the application or revoke the license of any person who falsely represents that the person has not been convicted of a crime. [1983 c.629 §5; 1985 c.663 §5; 1987 c.431 §1; 1995 c.667 §13; 2009 c.595 §791j]

 

      443.755 Entry and inspection of homes; access to residents; inspection report; fire inspection. (1) The licensing agency staff shall be permitted access to enter and inspect all licensed adult foster homes. The licensing agency shall be permitted access to enter and inspect any unlicensed adult foster home upon the receipt of an oral or written complaint, or in case the agency itself has cause to believe that an adult foster home is operating without a license or there exists a threat to the health, safety or welfare of any resident. The licensing agency staff shall be permitted access to the residents of adult foster homes in order to interview residents privately and to inspect residents’ records.

      (2) The state or local fire inspectors shall be permitted access to enter and inspect adult foster homes regarding fire safety upon request of the licensing agency.

      (3)(a) The licensing agency shall provide to each licensed adult foster home in the state in writing in clear concise language readily comprehensible by the average person a copy of the inspection report of the most recent inspection of that home conducted by the agency.

      (b) The provider shall post the inspection report in the entry or equally prominent place and shall, upon request, provide a copy of the information to each resident of, or person applying for admission to, the home, or the legal representative, guardian or conservator of the resident or applicant. [1983 c.629 §6; 1985 c.663 §6; 1991 c.960 §6; 2009 c.595 §791k]

 

      443.760 Application of single family dwelling code requirements to home; rules; evacuation requirement; lease rate. (1) Adult foster homes that are certified as residential homes as defined in ORS 197.660 must meet all state and local building, sanitation, utility and fire code requirements applicable to single family dwellings. However, by rule, the licensing agency may adopt more stringent standards upon a finding that there is a significant health or safety threat to residents that necessitates a standard not imposed on other single family dwellings.

      (2) In adopting more stringent standards, the licensing agency shall consult with the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Department of the State Fire Marshal to ensure that the provider has the ability to evacuate all residents from an adult foster home within:

      (a) Three minutes; or

      (b) A period that meets applicable fire, life and safety requirements if the adult foster home has an interior sprinkler system approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities.

      (3) If a licensed provider rents or leases the premises where the adult foster home is located, the lessor shall charge a flat rate for the lease or rental. [1993 c.146 §1; 1995 c.180 §4; 2009 c.595 §791L; 2017 c.679 §32; 2021 c.539 §111]

 

      443.762 Information provided upon admission. (1) As used in this section, “adult foster home” means an adult foster home that is licensed to provide residential care to older adults or people with physical disabilities.

      (2) Upon the admission of a resident to an adult foster home, the adult foster home shall provide the resident with information developed by the Long Term Care Ombudsman describing the availability and services of the ombudsman. [2019 c.117 §6]

 

      Note: 443.762 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.765 Complaint procedure; retaliation prohibited; notice of rates and rules; liability for complaints. (1) Complaints against adult foster homes may be filed with the licensing agency by any person, whether or not a resident of the home. The licensing agency shall investigate complaints regarding adult foster homes and shall adopt by rule standards governing investigations pursuant to this section.

      (2) The licensing agency shall prepare a notice which must be posted in a conspicuous place in each adult foster home stating the telephone number of the agency and the procedure for making complaints.

      (3) The licensing agency shall maintain a file of all complaints and the action taken on the complaint, indexed by the name of the owner or operator. When the licensing agency concludes the investigation of a complaint, the agency shall clearly designate the outcome of the complaint investigation in the complaint file. The filed complaint forms shall protect the privacy of the complainant, the resident and the witnesses.

      (4) Any person has a right to inspect and photocopy the complaint files maintained by the licensing agency.

      (5)(a) The owner or operator of an adult foster home may not prohibit, discourage or use intimidation against any person to prevent the filing of a complaint with the licensing agency.

      (b) If a resident, or a person acting on the resident’s behalf, files a complaint with the licensing agency, the owner or operator of an adult foster home may not retaliate against the resident by:

      (A) Increasing charges;

      (B) Decreasing services, rights or privileges;

      (C) Threatening to increase charges or decrease services, rights or privileges;

      (D) Taking or threatening to take any action to coerce or compel the resident to leave the facility; or

      (E) Abusing or threatening to harass or abuse a resident in any manner.

      (c) The owner or operator of an adult foster home may not retaliate against any person who files a complaint or any witness or employee of a facility interviewed about the complaint, including but not limited to retaliation by restriction of otherwise lawful access to the adult foster home or to any resident thereof, or, if an employee, to dismissal or harassment.

      (6) The provider shall give all residents, upon admission, a notice of the monthly rates and the house rules.

      (7) Anyone participating in good faith in the filing of a complaint pursuant to this section is immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed with respect to the filing or substance of the complaint. Any such participant shall have the same immunity with respect to participating in any judicial proceeding resulting from the complaint. A person does not act in good faith for the purposes of this subsection if the substance of the complaint is false and:

      (a) The person knows that the substance of the complaint is false; or

      (b) The person makes the complaint with the intent to harm the owner or operator of the adult foster home, or the adult foster home, and the person shows a reckless disregard for the truth or falsity of the substance of the complaint. [1983 c.629 §7; 1985 c.651 §3; 1991 c.960 §7; 2001 c.447 §1; 2009 c.595 §791m]

 

      443.766 Interference with employee or volunteer disclosure of information concerning practice that threatens health or safety of residents prohibited. (1) An adult foster home may not interfere with the good faith disclosure of information by an employee or volunteer concerning the abuse or mistreatment of a resident in the adult foster home, violations of licensing or certification requirements, criminal activity at the adult foster home, violations of state or federal laws or any practice that threatens the health and safety of a resident in the adult foster home to:

      (a) The Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Residential Facilities Ombudsman, the Department of Human Services, a law enforcement agency or other entity with legal or regulatory authority over the adult foster home; or

      (b) A family member, guardian, friend or other person who is acting on behalf of the resident.

      (2) An adult foster home interferes with the disclosure of the information described in subsection (1) of this section by:

      (a) Asking or requiring the employee or volunteer to sign a nondisclosure or similar agreement prohibiting the employee or volunteer from disclosing the information;

      (b) Training an employee or volunteer not to disclose the information; or

      (c) Taking actions or communicating to the employee or volunteer that the employee or volunteer may not disclose the information.

      (3) The licensing agency may revoke or suspend the license of an adult foster home that is found to have violated subsection (1) of this section.

      (4) The licensing agency shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (5) This section does not authorize the disclosure of protected health information, as defined in ORS 192.556, other than as is permitted by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations, 45 C.F.R. parts 160 and 164, ORS 192.553 to 192.581 or by other state or federal laws limiting the disclosure of health information. [2019 c.381 §6]

 

      Note: 443.766 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.767 Investigation of complaint; rules. (1) When the licensing agency receives a complaint that alleges that a resident of a licensed adult foster home has been injured, abused or neglected, and that the resident’s health or safety is in imminent danger, or that the resident has died or been hospitalized, the investigation shall begin immediately after the complaint is received. If the investigator determines that the complaint is substantiated, the licensing agency shall take appropriate corrective action immediately.

      (2) When the licensing agency receives a complaint that alleges the existence of any circumstance that could result in injury, abuse or neglect of a resident of a licensed adult foster home, and that the circumstance could place the resident’s health or safety in imminent danger, the agency shall investigate the complaint promptly. If the investigator determines that the complaint is substantiated, the agency shall take appropriate corrective action promptly.

      (3) After public hearing, the licensing agency shall by rule set standards for the procedure, content and time limits for the initiation and completion of investigations of complaints. The time limits shall be as short as possible and shall vary in accordance with the severity of the circumstances alleged in the complaint. In no event shall the investigation exceed a duration of 60 days, unless there is an ongoing concurrent criminal investigation, in which case the licensing agency may take a reasonable amount of additional time in which to complete the investigation.

      (4) The licensing agency shall take no longer than 60 days from the completion of the investigation report to take appropriate corrective action in the case of any complaint that the investigator determines to be substantiated.

      (5)(a) The licensing agency shall mail a copy of the investigation report within seven days of the completion of the report to:

      (A) The complainant, unless the complainant requests anonymity;

      (B) The resident, and any person designated by the resident to receive information concerning the resident;

      (C) The facility; and

      (D) The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman.

      (b) The copy of the report shall be accompanied by a notice that informs the recipient of the right to submit additional evidence.

      (6)(a) The complaint and the investigation report shall be available to the public at the local office of the licensing agency or the type B area agency, if appropriate. When the licensing agency or type B area agency concludes the investigation of a complaint, the licensing agency or type B area agency shall clearly designate the outcome of the complaint investigation and make the designation available to the public together with the complaint and the investigation report.

      (b) As used in this subsection, “area agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.040.

      (7) A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the licensing agency whether or not the investigation report concludes that the complaint is substantiated. [1991 c.960 §8; 2001 c.447 §2; 2001 c.900 §190; 2009 c.595 §791n; 2017 c.441 §28]

 

      443.769 Public disclosure of investigatory information. (1) When the Department of Human Services or a type B area agency on aging discloses a file, form or report to the public pursuant to ORS 443.740, 443.765 or 443.767, the department or agency may not disclose information about residents that is protected from disclosure by state or federal law or information that is described in subsection (2) of this section unless the resident has provided a written authorization for disclosure of the information.

      (2) This section applies to:

      (a) The name of a resident and to demographic or other information that can be used to identify a resident.

      (b) Any health information that relates to:

      (A) The past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of a resident;

      (B) The provision of health care to a resident; or

      (C) The past, present or future payment for the provision of health care to a resident.

      (3) As used in this section, “resident” means an individual receiving care in an adult foster home. [2009 c.44 §1]

 

      Note: 443.769 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.775 Rules; level of care; exception to limit on residents with nursing care needs; reports on exceptions; provider duties; enforcement; civil penalties. (1) The licensing agency shall adopt rules governing adult foster homes and the level of care provided in such homes, including the provision of care to more than one person with nursing care needs under specified conditions and agency approval, such as are necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the residents and to provide for an appropriate continuum of care, but shall not be inconsistent with the residential nature of the living accommodations and the family atmosphere of the home. The rules shall be consistent with rules adopted by the Oregon State Board of Nursing under ORS 678.150 (8).

      (a) An exception to the limit of one resident with nursing care needs may be granted if the provider proves to the licensing agency by clear and convincing evidence that such an exception will not jeopardize the care, health, safety or welfare of the residents and that the provider is capable of meeting the additional care needs of the new resident.

      (b) The licensing agency, and the counties acting under the exemption granted pursuant to ORS 443.780, shall report on a quarterly basis to the Legislative Assembly on the number of exceptions granted during the quarter pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection.

      (2) The provider may not employ a resident manager who does not meet the classification standard for the adult foster home.

      (3) The provider shall be able to meet the night care needs of a resident before admitting the resident. The provider shall include night care needs in the resident’s care plan.

      (4) The provider shall screen a prospective resident before admitting the resident. The screening shall include but is not limited to diagnosis, medications, personal care needs, nursing care needs, night care needs, nutritional needs, activities and lifestyle preferences. A copy of the screening shall be given to the prospective resident or the prospective resident’s representative.

      (5) The licensing agency shall make rules to ensure that any employee who makes a complaint pursuant to ORS 443.755 shall be protected from retaliation.

      (6) For adult foster homes in which clients reside for whom the licensing agency pays for care, including homes in which the provider and the resident are related, the agency may require substantial compliance with its rules relating to standards for care of the client as a condition for paying for care.

      (7) By order the director of the licensing agency may delegate authority under this section to personnel other than of the licensing agency.

      (8) The licensing agency may commence a suit in equity to enjoin maintenance of an adult foster home if:

      (a) The home is operated without a valid license under this section; or

      (b) After the license to maintain the home is ordered suspended or revoked, a reasonable time for placement of residents in other facilities has been allowed but such placement has not been accomplished.

      (9) The licensing agency shall establish by rule the maximum capacity of adult foster homes, including all nonrelated and related persons receiving residential care and day care.

      (10) Except as provided in subsection (11) of this section:

      (a) The Department of Human Services may impose a civil penalty on any person who violates a provision of ORS 443.705 to 443.825, or the rules adopted under ORS 443.705 to 443.825, with regard to an adult foster home serving socially dependent individuals or individuals with physical disabilities. The department shall establish the amount of the penalty by rule, in an amount not less than $100 and not more than $250 per violation, or in the case of substantiated abuse, not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 per violation.

      (b) The department may impose a civil penalty on any person who violates a provision of ORS 443.705 to 443.825, or the rules adopted under ORS 443.705 to 443.825, with regard to an adult foster home not serving socially dependent individuals or individuals with physical disabilities. The department shall establish the amount of the penalty by rule, in an amount not to exceed $100 per violation, to a maximum of $250, or, per occurrence of substantiated abuse, to a maximum of $1,000.

      (c) The Oregon Health Authority may impose a civil penalty on any person who violates a provision of ORS 443.705 to 443.825, or the rules adopted under ORS 443.705 to 443.825. The authority shall establish the amount of the penalty by rule, in an amount not to exceed $100 per violation, to a maximum of $250, or, per occurrence of substantiated abuse, to a maximum of $1,000.

      (11)(a) If the licensing agency determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that abuse occurred in an adult foster home licensed by the licensing agency and if the abuse resulted in the death, serious injury, rape, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a resident, the licensing agency shall impose a civil penalty on the adult foster home of not less than $2,500 for each violation.

      (b) This subsection does not apply to adult foster homes licensed by the licensing agency to serve only persons with mental illness or with alcohol or drug addiction.

      (c) The licensing agency shall by rule define “serious injury,” “rape,” “sexual abuse” and “sexual exploitation” for purposes of this subsection.

      (12) All penalties recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Quality Care Fund established in ORS 443.001. [1983 c.629 §8; 1985 c.663 §7; 1987 c.369 §2; 1987 c.430 §2; 1987 c.431 §2; 1991 c.960 §9; 1995 c.667 §14; 2001 c.900 §191; 2009 c.535 §34; 2009 c.595 §791o; 2009 c.828 §90; 2017 c.679 §9]

 

      443.777 Prescription drug packaging. (1) An adult foster home licensed by the Department of Human Services shall ensure that prescription drugs dispensed to residents of the adult foster home are packaged in a manner that reduces errors in the tracking of and the administration of the drugs, including but not limited to the use of unit dose systems or blister packs.

      (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to residents receiving pharmacy benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs if the pharmacy benefits do not reimburse the cost of such packaging. [2017 c.679 §31]

 

      Note: 443.777 was added to and made a part of 443.705 to 443.825 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.780 Exemption where county has licensing and inspection program. (1) The director of the licensing agency may exempt from the license, inspection and fee provisions of ORS 443.705 to 443.825 adult foster homes in those counties where there is a county agency which provides similar programs for licensing and inspection that the director finds are equal to or superior to the requirements of ORS 443.705 to 443.825.

      (2) ORS 443.775 (5) applies regardless of any exceptions granted to a county agency. [1985 c.663 §11; 1995 c.667 §19; 2009 c.595 §791p]

 

      443.785 Admission of Medicaid recipients. The licensing agency may not require an adult foster home that elects to provide care for a Medicaid recipient to admit an additional Medicaid resident under a contract with the agency. [1999 c.204 §2; 2009 c.595 §791q]

 

      443.790 Authority to impose civil penalty; factors to be considered; rules. (1) In addition to any other liability or penalty provided by law, the director of the licensing agency may impose a civil penalty on a person for any of the following:

      (a) Violation of any of the terms or conditions of a license issued under ORS 443.735.

      (b) Violation of any rule or general order of the licensing agency that pertains to a facility.

      (c) Violation of any final order of the director that pertains specifically to the facility owned or operated by the person incurring the penalty.

      (d) Violation of ORS 443.745 or of rules required to be adopted under ORS 443.775.

      (e) Violation of the requirement to have a license under ORS 443.725 (1).

      (2) The director shall impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500, unless otherwise required by law, on any adult foster home for falsifying resident or facility records or causing another to do so.

      (3) The director shall impose a civil penalty of $250 on a provider who violates ORS 443.725 (3).

      (4) The director shall impose a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $500, unless otherwise required by law, on a provider who admits a resident knowing that the resident’s care needs exceed the license classification of the provider if the admission places the resident or other residents at grave risk of harm.

      (5)(a) In every case other than those involving the health, safety or welfare of a resident, the director shall prescribe a reasonable time for elimination of a violation but except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection shall not prescribe a period to exceed 30 days after notice of the violation.

      (b) The director may approve a reasonable amount of time in excess of 30 days if correction of the violation within 30 days is determined to be impossible.

      (6) In imposing a civil penalty, the director shall consider the following factors:

      (a) The past history of the person incurring a penalty in taking all feasible steps or procedures necessary or appropriate to correct any violation.

      (b) Any prior violations of statutes, rules or orders pertaining to facilities.

      (c) The economic and financial conditions of the person incurring the penalty.

      (d) The immediacy and extent to which the violation threatens or threatened the health, safety or welfare of one or more residents.

      (7) The licensing agency shall adopt rules establishing objective criteria for the imposition and amount of civil penalties under this section. [1987 c.431 §§4,6; 1991 c.413 §6; 1991 c.960 §10; 1995 c.667 §15; 2009 c.595 §791r; 2009 c.837 §34; 2011 c.37 §1]

 

      443.795 Civil penalty; notice; hearing. (1) Any civil penalty under ORS 443.790 shall be imposed as provided in ORS 183.745.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 183.745, the person to whom the notice is addressed shall have 10 days from the date of service of the notice in which to make written application for a hearing before the director of the licensing agency.

      (3) The licensing agency shall conduct the hearing and issue the final order within 180 days after any hearing request. [1987 c.431 §5; 1991 c.734 §25; 1991 c.960 §12; 2003 c.14 §263; 2009 c.595 §791s]

 

      443.805 [1987 c.431 §7; repealed by 1991 c.734 §122]

 

      443.815 Judicial review of penalties. Judicial review of civil penalties imposed under ORS 443.790 shall be as provided under ORS 183.480, except that the court may, in its discretion, reduce the amount of the penalty. [1987 c.431 §8]

 

      443.825 Disposition of penalties recovered. All penalties recovered under ORS 443.790 to 443.815 shall be deposited:

      (1) In the Quality Care Fund established in ORS 443.001 if paid by an adult foster home licensed to provide residential care to persons with physical disabilities.

      (2) In the Long Term Care Ombudsman Account established in ORS 441.419 if paid by an adult foster home licensed to provide care to persons with mental illness or developmental disabilities. [1987 c.431 §9; 2009 c.837 §35; 2013 c.717 §16]

 

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CHILD FOSTER HOMES

 

      443.830 Definitions for ORS 443.830 and 443.835. As used in this section and ORS 443.835:

      (1) “Child” means a person for whom developmental disability services are planned and provided and who is:

      (a) Under 18 years of age; or

      (b) At least 18 years of age but less than 22 years of age and resides in a developmental disability child foster home and whose needs, as determined by the child’s individual support plan team, are best met if services are provided in a developmental disability child foster home.

      (2) “Department” means the Department of Human Services.

      (3)(a) “Developmental disability child foster home” means any home maintained by a person who has under the care of the person, in the home, a child found eligible for developmental disability services for the purpose of providing the child with supervision, food and lodging. The child must be unrelated to the person by blood, marriage or adoption.

      (b) “Developmental disability child foster home” does not include:

      (A) A boarding school that is essentially and primarily engaged in educational work;

      (B) A home in which a child is provided with room and board by a school district board; or

      (C) A foster home under the direct supervision of a child-caring agency as that term is defined in ORS 418.205.

      (4) “Developmental disability services” has the meaning given that term in ORS 427.101.

      (5) “Individual support plan team” means a team composed of the child, the child’s parent or guardian, the community mental health program representative and representatives of all current service providers that develops a written plan of services covering a 12-month period for a child. [1999 c.316 §4; 2001 c.463 §1; 2001 c.900 §192; 2016 c.106 §50; 2023 c.340 §2]

 

      Note: 443.830 and 443.835 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.835 Certificate required; rules. (1) A person may not operate a developmental disability child foster home without having a certificate issued by the Department of Human Services.

      (2) A person may apply for a certificate to operate a developmental disability child foster home by submitting an application to the department on a form furnished by the department.

      (3) Upon receipt of an application under subsection (2) of this section, the department shall cause an investigation to be made of the applicant and the applicant’s home. The department shall determine whether to issue a certificate to the applicant and, if a certificate is to be issued, whether to issue a conditional certificate or a regular certificate. The certificate shall be in the form prescribed by the department by rule.

      (4) After notice and an opportunity for hearing as provided in ORS 183.310 to 183.482, the department may deny, refuse to renew or revoke a certificate to operate a developmental disability child foster home. A person whose application for a certificate has been denied, not renewed or revoked may appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals in the manner provided in ORS 183.480 for the review of orders in contested cases.

      (5) The department may adopt rules to carry out the intent and purposes of this section and ORS 443.830. [1999 c.316 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 443.830.

 

      443.836 Department of Human Services approval required for parent or guardian of resident to attend resident or for residents 18 to 26 years of age to continue to reside in developmental disability child foster home; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Child” means a person:

      (A) For whom developmental disability services are planned and provided;

      (B) Who resides in a developmental disability child foster home; and

      (C) Whose needs, as determined by the child’s individual support plan team, are best met if services are provided in a developmental disability child foster home.

      (b) “Developmental disability child foster home” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.830.

      (c) “Developmental disability services” has the meaning given that term in ORS 427.101.

      (d) “Individual support plan team” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.830.

      (2) A child residing in a developmental disability child foster home may not be attended by the child’s parent or guardian without the approval of the Department of Human Services.

      (3) A child residing in a developmental disability child foster home who attains 18 years of age and is under 26 years of age may continue to reside in the developmental disability child foster home in which the child resides, if approved by the department.

      (4) The department shall adopt by rule standards for granting approvals under subsections (2) and (3) of this section. [2023 c.340 §1]

 

      Note: 443.836 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

HOSPICE PROGRAMS

 

      443.850 Definitions for ORS 443.850 to 443.869. As used in ORS 443.850 to 443.869:

      (1) “Hospice program” means a coordinated program of home and inpatient care, available 24 hours a day, that utilizes an interdisciplinary team of personnel trained to provide palliative and supportive services to a patient-family unit experiencing a life threatening disease with a limited prognosis. A hospice program is an institution for purposes of ORS 146.100.

      (2) “Hospice services” means items and services provided to a patient-family unit by a hospice program or by other individuals or community agencies under a consulting or contractual arrangement with a hospice program. Hospice services include acute, respite, home care and bereavement services provided to meet the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and other special needs of a patient-family unit during the final stages of illness, dying and the bereavement period.

      (3) “Interdisciplinary team” means a group of individuals working together in a coordinated manner to provide hospice care. An interdisciplinary team includes, but is not limited to, the patient-family unit, the patient’s attending physician or clinician and one or more of the following hospice program personnel:

      (a) Physician.

      (b) Physician assistant.

      (c) Nurse practitioner.

      (d) Nurse.

      (e) Nurse’s aide.

      (f) Occupational therapist.

      (g) Physical therapist.

      (h) Trained lay volunteer.

      (i) Clergy or spiritual counselor.

      (j) Credentialed mental health professional such as psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse or social worker.

      (k) Naturopathic physician.

      (4) “Patient-family unit” includes an individual who has a life threatening disease with a limited prognosis and all others sharing housing, common ancestry or a common personal commitment with the individual.

      (5) “Person” includes individuals, organizations and groups of organizations. [1987 c.398 §1; 1989 c.697 §3; 2007 c.474 §1; 2009 c.793 §6; 2014 c.45 §63; 2017 c.356 §73]

 

      443.860 License required; rules; fees. (1) A person may not establish, conduct or maintain a hospice program providing hospice services, or hold itself out to the public as a hospice program, without obtaining a license from the Oregon Health Authority.

      (2) The authority:

      (a) Shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of ORS 443.850 to 443.869, including but not limited to rules for licensure that require an in-person site inspection of each licensed hospice program at least once every three years.

      (b) May accept certification by a federal agency or accreditation by an accrediting organization approved by the authority as evidence of compliance with the requirements for licensure adopted under paragraph (a) of this subsection if:

      (A) The certification or accreditation meets standards and conditions established for hospice programs by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;

      (B) The hospice program invites the authority to participate in any exit interview conducted by the agency or organization; and

      (C) The hospice program provides the authority with copies of all documentation requested by the authority concerning the certification or accreditation.

      (3) The fee to obtain or renew a hospice program license is $1,140.

      (4) The authority shall prescribe by rule the form and manner for application for or renewal of a license. The authority shall issue a license to an applicant that has the necessary qualifications, meets all requirements established by the authority by rule and has paid the fee.

      (5) A license issued under this section is valid for one year and is not transferable. A license may be renewed by payment of the fee and demonstration of compliance with requirements for renewal established by the authority by rule. [1987 c.398 §§2,3; 1989 c.697 §1; 1993 c.110 §3; 1997 c.362 §1; 2003 c.14 §264; 2007 c.474 §2; 2009 c.793 §1; 2011 c.720 §201; 2017 c.559 §2; 2021 c.338 §9]

 

      443.861 Moneys to be deposited to Public Health Account. All moneys received by the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 443.860 shall be paid into the State Treasury and deposited to the credit of the Public Health Account established in ORS 431.210. The moneys shall be used by the authority in carrying out its duties under ORS 443.850 to 443.869. [2009 c.793 §4; 2011 c.720 §202]

 

      443.864 Suspension, revocation or denial of license. The Oregon Health Authority may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the license of a hospice program for failure to comply with ORS 443.860 or with rules adopted pursuant to ORS 443.860. [2009 c.793 §3; 2011 c.720 §203]

 

      443.865 [1993 c.110 §2; 2009 c.595 §792; repealed by 2009 c.793 §7]

 

      443.867 In-home care agency license not required for licensed hospice program to provide palliative care. Notwithstanding ORS 443.305 to 443.350 requiring an in-home care agency to obtain a license to provide services that are necessary to assist an individual in meeting the individual’s daily needs but are not curative or rehabilitative, a hospice program licensed under ORS 443.860 is not required to be licensed as an in-home care agency under ORS 443.315 to provide palliative care, as defined by the Oregon Health Authority by rule. [2019 c.238 §2]

 

      443.869 Civil penalties. In addition to any other liability or penalty provided by law, the Director of the Oregon Health Authority may impose a civil penalty of $1,000 per day, up to $10,000 in any 30-day period, for any of the following:

      (1) Violation of any of the terms or conditions of a license issued under ORS 443.860 to a hospice program.

      (2) Violation of any rule or general order of the Oregon Health Authority that pertains to a hospice program.

      (3) Violation of any final order of the director that pertains specifically to a hospice program owned or operated by the person incurring the penalty.

      (4) Violation of ORS 443.860 or of rules adopted under ORS 443.860.

      (5) Civil penalties under this section shall be imposed in the manner provided by ORS 183.745.

      (6) All penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the General Fund and are available for general governmental expenses. [2009 c.793 §5; 2011 c.720 §204]

 

      443.870 [1987 c.398 §4; 1993 c.110 §4; 2007 c.474 §3; 2009 c.595 §793; repealed by 2009 c.793 §7]

 

RESIDENT PROTECTIONS

 

      443.875 Notice of substantiated abuse. (1) If the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority substantiates an allegation of abuse that occurred in a facility, the department or authority shall immediately notify the facility of its findings.

      (2) Upon receipt of the notice described in subsection (1) of this section, a facility shall provide written notice of the findings to the individual found to have committed abuse, residents of the facility, the residents’ case managers and the residents’ guardians.

      (3) An application for employment at a facility must inquire whether the applicant has been found to have committed abuse.

      (4) As used in this section:

      (a) “Abuse” has the meaning given that term in ORS 430.735.

      (b) “Facility” means:

      (A) A residential facility as defined in ORS 443.400; or

      (B) An adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705. [2009 c.837 §5; 2009 c.828 §80; 2010 c.93 §14]

 

      Note: 443.875 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.878 Psychotropic medications; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Elderly person” means a person who is 65 years of age or older;

      (b) “Person with a disability” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.040; and

      (c) “Psychotropic medication” has the meaning given that term in ORS 418.517.

      (2) The Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the State Board of Pharmacy, the Oregon Medical Board, the Oregon State Board of Nursing and the Long Term Care Ombudsman, shall adopt rules related to the prescription of a psychotropic medication to an elderly person or a person with a disability who resides in:

      (a) An adult foster home, as defined in ORS 443.705;

      (b) A residential care facility, as defined in ORS 443.400; or

      (c) A long term care facility, as defined in ORS 442.015.

      (3) The requirements of this section do not apply to an elderly person or person with a disability in a hospice program, as defined in ORS 443.850.

      (4) The rules adopted under subsection (2) of this section must include, but are not limited to, requirements that:

      (a) If a prescription of psychotropic medication is written by a licensed health care practitioner other than the primary care provider or mental health care provider, or other licensed health care practitioner designated by the department, of the elderly person or person with a disability, the prescription must be reviewed by the primary care provider or mental health care provider, or other licensed health care practitioner designated by the department, of the elderly person or person with a disability to:

      (A) Limit the adverse side effects of the psychotropic medication; and

      (B) Ensure that the psychotropic medication is prescribed in the lowest possible effective dosage;

      (b) A licensed health care practitioner other than the primary care provider or mental health care provider, or other licensed health care practitioner designated by the department, of the elderly person or person with a disability who prescribes a psychotropic medication notify the primary care provider or mental health care provider, or other licensed health care practitioner designated by the department, of the elderly person or person with a disability of the prescription not later than 24 hours after issuing the prescription;

      (c) Psychotropic medication prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner other than the primary care provider or mental health care provider, or other licensed health care practitioner designated by the department, of the elderly person or person with a disability may be in an amount sufficient for a seven-day supply; and

      (d) The facility or home in which the elderly person or person with a disability resides demonstrates that:

      (A) A person-centered assessment has been performed for the elderly person or person with a disability; and

      (B) Based on the findings of the assessment, the best course of treatment, including the use of nonpharmacological interventions, psychotropic medication or a combination of nonpharmacological interventions and psychotropic medication, is followed.

      (5) The department may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. [2017 c.503 §1]

 

      Note: 443.878 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.880 Responsibilities of residential facility regarding property of resident. (1) The admission of a person to a residential facility shall not act to create in the facility, its owner, administrator or employee any authority to manage, use or dispose of any property of the resident, or any authority or responsibility for the personal affairs of the person, except as may be necessary for the safety and orderly management of the facility and as may be required by this section.

      (2) No owner, administrator or employee of a residential facility may act as guardian, conservator, trustee or attorney in fact for any resident of the facility unless the resident is related to the owner, administrator or employee within the third degree of consanguinity. This subsection shall not prevent the owner, administrator or employee of a residential facility from acting as a representative payee for the resident.

      (3) A residential facility shall provide for the safekeeping of personal effects, funds and other property of its residents.

      (4) A residential facility shall keep complete and accurate records of all funds and other property of its residents received by the facility for safekeeping.

      (5) Any funds or other property belonging to or due to a resident of a residential facility which are received by a residential facility shall be held in trust and shall be held separate from the funds and property of the facility and shall be used only for the account of the resident. Upon request, the facility shall furnish the resident a complete and certified statement of all funds or other property to which this section applies, detailing the amounts and items received, together with their sources and disposition.

      (6) For the purposes of this section, “residential facility” means a domiciliary care facility as defined by ORS 443.205, a long term care facility as defined by ORS 442.015, a residential facility as defined by ORS 443.400, an adult foster home as defined by ORS 443.705 and any residential facility required to be registered under ORS 443.480 to 443.500. [1991 c.413 §1; 1997 c.249 §144]

 

      443.881 Transfer of property; undue influence. (1) No owner, employee or administrator of a residential facility as defined by ORS 443.880 shall cause any person who is a resident of the facility to deliver to the owner, employee or administrator any funds or property of the resident by the exercise of undue influence.

      (2) For the purposes of this section, “undue influence” means that an owner, employee or administrator of a residential facility has substituted the will or interests of the owner, employee or administrator for the will or interests of the resident of the facility. [1991 c.413 §2]

 

      443.885 [1991 c.416 §1; 2003 c.14 §265; repealed by 2017 c.679 §46]

 

MEMORY CARE

 

      443.886 Memory care endorsement required; standards; fees; rules. (1) If a facility intends to provide care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia by means of an endorsed memory care community, the facility must obtain a memory care endorsement on its license or registration.

      (2) The Department of Human Services, with the input from representatives of advocate groups and the long term care industry, shall adopt by rule standards that ensure that the special needs of any resident with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia who is cared for in an endorsed memory care community are met and that quality care is provided. The standards must include but are not limited to provisions for:

      (a) Care planning, including physical design, staffing, staff training, safety, egress control, individual care planning, admission policy, family involvement, therapeutic activities and social services;

      (b) Continuity of basic care requirements; and

      (c) Marketing and advertising of the availability of and services from endorsed memory care communities.

      (3) The department shall adopt a fee schedule for memory care endorsement, taking into account the type of facility and the number of residents.

      (4) The department shall enforce rules adopted under subsection (2) of this section and ORS 443.889 and shall allow a licensee or registrant to retain the memory care endorsement required to care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia only as long as the licensee or registrant complies with the rules.

      (5) The memory care endorsement may be suspended or revoked in the same manner as the license or registration is suspended or revoked.

      (6) Unless a facility has obtained the memory care endorsement required by subsection (1) of this section, the facility may not:

      (a) Advertise the facility as providing an Alzheimer’s care unit or memory care community; or

      (b) Market the facility as providing an Alzheimer’s care unit or memory care community. [1991 c.416 §2; 2001 c.900 §193; 2005 c.22 §312; 2017 c.679 §28; 2021 c.588 §4]

 

      443.887 Definitions. As used in this section and ORS 443.886 and 443.889:

      (1) “Acuity-based staffing tool” means the acuity-based staffing tool described in ORS 443.432 or an acuity-based staffing tool adopted by a facility that meets requirements established by the Department of Human Services by rule.

      (2) “Endorsed memory care community” means a special care unit in a designated, separated area for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia that is locked or secured to prevent or limit access by a resident outside the designated or separated area.

      (3) “Facility” means a residential care facility as defined in ORS 443.400. [2021 c.588 §1]

 

      Note: 443.887 and 443.889 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      443.888 [1999 c.476 §4; 2005 c.688 §6; renumbered 443.895 in 2021]

 

      443.889 Use of acuity-based staffing tool; assessment of staffing levels; fines, penalties or conditions; rules. (1) The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules:

      (a) Establishing minimum requirements for an acuity-based staffing tool adopted by a facility and the frequency with which a facility must reassess the facility’s staffing patterns with the acuity-based staffing tool.

      (b) Establishing requirements for the design of an acuity-based staffing tool adopted by a facility to ensure that the tool recommends staffing levels, intensity and qualifications necessary to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

      (c) For carrying out subsection (4) of this section.

      (2) The department shall assess the staffing levels of a facility, at a minimum, each time the department conducts a survey, license approval or renewal or an investigation into a complaint regarding:

      (a) Abuse of a resident;

      (b) Injury to a resident;

      (c) Resident safety; or

      (d) Staffing levels.

      (3) The assessment under subsection (2) of this section must include a determination of whether the facility is:

      (a) Using an acuity-based staffing tool that meets the requirements of rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section;

      (b) Recalculating the facility’s staffing patterns using the acuity-based staffing tool with the frequency required by rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section;

      (c) Consistently staffing to the levels, intensity and qualifications indicated by the acuity-based staffing tool; and

      (d) Consistently meeting the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

      (4) If the department finds, during an assessment under subsection (2) of this section, that a facility is:

      (a) Not using an acuity-based staffing tool, the department shall require the facility to adopt the acuity-based staffing tool developed by the department.

      (b) Not meeting the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the department shall:

      (A) Place a condition on the facility’s license as provided in ORS 441.736 (1)(b)(A), (B), (C) or (F) until the facility implements an acuity-based staffing tool and meets the minimum staffing levels identified by the department as necessary to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

      (B) Impose fines, penalties or conditions required by law or that the department deems necessary to compel compliance.

      (c) Using an acuity-based staffing tool but is not consistently staffing to the levels, intensity and qualifications indicated by the tool or is not recalculating the facility’s staffing patterns with the tool at the frequency required by rule, the department shall:

      (A) Assess whether the facility is meeting the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

      (B) Place a condition on the facility’s license as provided in ORS 441.736 (1)(b)(A), (B), (C) or (F) until the facility implements an acuity-based staffing tool and demonstrates the facility’s ability to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

      (C) Continuously monitor the facility, for at least six months, for compliance with the staffing levels, intensity and qualifications indicated by the acuity-based staffing tool.

      (d) Not meeting the scheduled and unscheduled needs of all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the department shall establish staffing standards in a corrective action plan and place a condition on the facility’s license as provided in ORS 441.736 (1)(b)(A), (B), (C) or (F) until the facility complies with the corrective action plan. [2021 c.588 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 443.887.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

      443.895 Exemption from ad valorem property taxation for certain facilities; certification. (1)(a) The owner of a long term care facility seeking to have the facility be exempt from ad valorem property taxation under ORS 307.811 shall apply to the Department of Human Services for certification of the facility as an essential community provider long term care facility.

      (b) The application shall be made after the close of the calendar year for which the average percentage of residents eligible for medical assistance under Medicaid is to be determined.

      (2) The application shall be in the form and shall contain the information prescribed by the department, including but not limited to:

      (a) The location of the long term care facility; and

      (b) A statement of the number of residents of the long term care facility during the previous calendar year and the number of those residents who were eligible for Medicaid.

      (3) The department shall act upon an application within 15 days after the date the application has been filed with the department and all requested information has been provided by the applicant.

      (4) The department shall certify a long term care facility as an essential community provider long term care facility if the facility:

      (a) Is a nursing facility, assisted living facility or residential care facility and has an average residency rate of 50 percent or more who are eligible for Medicaid; or

      (b) Is an adult foster home and has an average residency rate of 60 percent or more who are eligible for Medicaid.

      (5) The department shall send the certification to the applicant. The certification shall state the tax year for which the certification is valid.

      (6) A certification under this section shall be valid for the tax year beginning the July 1 immediately following the calendar year in which the long term care facility met the Medicaid eligibility residency rate set forth in subsection (4) of this section.

      (7) As used in this section, “long term care facility” means a nursing facility, assisted living facility, residential care facility or adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705. [Formerly 443.888]

 

      Note: 443.895 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 443 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Temporary provisions relating to exemption from automatic sprinkler system requirement for certain residential training homes and adult foster homes)

 

      Note: Sections 3 and 9 (1), chapter 91, Oregon Laws 2022, provide:

      Sec. 3. Notwithstanding any provision of the state building code, as defined in ORS 455.010, a single-family detached dwelling that is used to operate a residential training home, as defined in ORS 443.400, or an adult foster home, as defined in ORS 443.705, is not required to have installed an automatic sprinkler system if:

      (1) The dwelling has been operated as a residential training home or an adult foster home pursuant to a license issued prior to July 1, 2024;

      (2) The operator is licensed to serve five or fewer individuals in the dwelling; and

      (3) The operator and the dwelling meet all other fire, life and safety requirements established by the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority by rule. [2022 c.91 §3]

      Sec. 9. (1) Section 3 of this 2022 Act is repealed on January 2, 2026. [2022 c.91 §9(1)]

 

      443.990 [Subsection (2) enacted as 1953 c.659 §14; 1969 c.641 §17; repealed by 1977 c.717 §23]

 

PENALTIES

 

      443.991 Penalties. (1) Violation of ORS 443.015 is punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.

      (2) Violation of any provision of ORS 443.400 to 443.455 is a Class B misdemeanor.

      (3) The Department of Human Services may commence an action to enjoin operation of a residential care facility, residential training facility or residential training home:

      (a) If the facility or home is operated without valid licensure; or

      (b) After notice of revocation has been given and a reasonable time for placement of individuals in other facilities or homes has been allowed.

      (4) The Oregon Health Authority may commence an action to enjoin operation of a residential treatment facility or residential treatment home:

      (a) If the facility or home is operated without valid licensure; or

      (b) After notice of revocation has been given and a reasonable time for placement of individuals in other facilities or homes has been allowed.

      (5) Violation of ORS 443.725 is punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.

      (6) Violation of any provision of ORS 443.755 is a Class B misdemeanor. In addition, the department may commence an action to enjoin operation of an adult foster home:

      (a) When an adult foster home is operated without a valid license; or

      (b) After notice of revocation has been given and a reasonable time for placement of individuals in other facilities has been allowed.

      (7) Violation of ORS 443.881 is punishable as a Class C misdemeanor. [Subsection (1) enacted as 1977 c.738 §11; subsection (2) enacted as 1977 c.717 §14; 1979 c.284 §144; 1985 c.663 §8; subsection (5) enacted as 1991 c.413 §3; 2009 c.595 §796]

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