Relating to behavioral health; and declaring an emergency.

The bill's ordering date was changed from April 15 to June 16, and House amendments were added to reflect both dates.

Added a requirement for the Oregon Health Authority to study potential allowable alternatives or exceptions to current nurse staffing requirements in secure residential treatment facilities to address workforce challenges while balancing safety.

Added a requirement for the authority to assess all methodologies permitted by federal law for reimbursing facilities, with specific consideration for staffing costs, room incentives, professional wages, program size, and serving residents with similar care needs.

Removed previous detailed study requirements regarding alternative models for administering residential behavioral health services, direct discharge feasibility, and capacity payments that were present in the A-Engrossed version.

Changed the Oregon Health Authority's mandate from studying outdated statutory language to conducting studies on staffing requirements, reimbursement methods, and alternative service delivery models for residential behavioral health facilities.

Added requirements to study nurse staffing alternatives in secure facilities and assess federal reimbursement methodologies.

Added requirements to determine if the authority can administer services through methods other than existing waivers or plan amendments.

Added requirements to study direct discharge options without third-party referrals and evaluate capacity payments for hospitalizations.

Added specific definitions for facility types including residential treatment facilities, homes, and secure variants.

Added declaration of emergency effective on passage.

Maintained the September 15, 2026 reporting deadline but changed the study focus.