Oregon board may license supervised behavioral health practitioners

The Oregon Board of Psychology may license practitioners to provide behavioral health promotion, prevention, and brief interventions. The license covers services such as early screening, education, skills support, brief interventions, referrals, and care coordination. Applicants need a qualifying degree or education program with at least 700 hours of supervised practice, required training and exams, good moral character, and any other board requirements. Practitioners must work under the direct supervision of an eligible licensed professional. They may not diagnose or independently treat disorders, practice psychology or medicine, perform certain tests, or evaluate drug effects. These licensing provisions become operative on January 1, 2027.

A licensed practitioner may not be questioned in court about certain client communications. The protection covers communications clients give to licensed practitioners during professional work that is not an investigation, when the communication is meant to help the client. Exceptions apply when the client or legal representative consents, the client brings a legal complaint against the practitioner or board, the communication reveals intent to commit a crime or harmful act, or it reveals that a minor is or may be a victim of a crime, abuse, or neglect. This court-communication provision becomes operative on January 1, 2027.