January 23, 2008

Oregon Legislative Concept 87

On January 23, 2008, the Oregon State House Human Services and Womens Wellness Committee voted to introduce a bill that would create an on-line database to track abuse by caregivers in the states group or foster homes for people with disabilities. The database would be searchable by facility, foster home provider, facility owner/operator, and facility employee. The bill, referred to as a legislative concept at this stage of the process (LC 87), is scheduled for introduction into the Houses special legislative session beginning February 4, 2008. If passed, the bill would become effective immediately.

The proposed bill would also require the following:

• Immediate notification by group and foster home operators to clients, their guardians, and their case managers each time there is a substantiated allegation of abuse or neglect within the home
   

• Increased licensing fees and fines and punishments for violations when those violations lead to a clients death, serious injury, rape, sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation. The fines would be set by the Oregon Department of Human Services.