House approves bill to streamline background checks and credentialing for care providers

Lawmakers passed HB 4,115 to reduce administrative delays that slow hiring of caregivers and behavioral‑health providers. Representative Nathanson, a floor sponsor, said stakeholders spent years crafting the bill to extend recheck cycles to three years, improve portability between employers, and streamline credentialing so providers can be paid once a complete Oregon Health Authority application is submitted.

Nathanson described long waits for background checks conducted by the Department of Human Services background‑check unit — previously reported at four to six weeks — and said the bill seeks common‑sense fixes without creating fiscal impacts. He told the chamber the unit conducts over 100,000 background checks a year and that many are duplicate requests; the bill aims to reduce duplicative processes and improve workforce availability.

Representative Scharf, who participated in the work group, described the measure as a “win‑win” that preserves patient safety while speeding workers into jobs. The clerk opened the voting system; HB 4,115 received the constitutional majority and was declared passed.

Next steps: The bill requires OHA rulemaking and stakeholder engagement tied to improvements in credentialing and payment processes.