Advisory Bodies

Has the state established an advisory body for settlement funds?

Yes. Oregon state law establishes the Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Board (OSPTR Board) to determine the allocation and use of monies from the 45% Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Fund share.[1] The OSPTR Board is required to hold at least four public meetings each year,[2] but it has consistently met monthly since its inception (generally on the first Wednesday of each month).[3] The OSPTR Board is required to receive community input and to operate in compliance with the state’s public meetings law.[4]

Is the state advisory body required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

Not necessarily. Oregon state law requires that the OSPTR Board include “[a]n individual who has experienced a substance use disorder or a representative of an organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with substance use disorders”[5] This means that the statutory membership requirements can be satisfied without the inclusion of an individual with lived experience.

What is the overall membership of the state advisory body?

The OSPTR Board is an 18-member body with 15 voting members and 3 non-voting members.[6]

Virtually all voting members are ultimately appointed by the governor,[7] with appointments for certain OSPTR Board seats limited to a list of recommended candidates.[8] The 15 voting members include:[9]

• A policy advisor to the governor

• One representative from each of the Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Department of Human Services

• Director of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission or their designee

• Chairperson of the Oversight and Accountability Council (“established in ORS 430.388”) or the chairperson’s designee[10]

• Individual representing Clackamas, Washington, or Multnomah County

• Individual representing Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, or Yamhill County

• Individual representing the City of Portland

• Individual representing a city with more than 10,000 residents

• Individual representing a city with 10,000 or fewer residents

• Representative of the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials or its successor organization

• Representative of a community mental health program

• Individual who has experienced a substance use disorder or a representative of an organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with substance use disorders

• Individual representing law enforcement, first responders, or jail commanders or wardens

The three non-voting OSPTR Board members include:[11]

• Member of the Oregon House of Representatives, appointed by its Speaker

• Member of the Oregon Senate, appointed by its President

• Oregon State Court Administrator or designee

A list of current OSPTR Board members is available here.[12] Members are appointed to four-year terms and may be reappointed to additional terms.[13]

Are local governments required to establish a settlement advisory body? If so, are local advisory bodies required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

No (up to each locality). Local governments in Oregon are not required to establish opioid settlement advisory bodies. However, localities may choose to establish advisory councils that include members with lived and/or living experience to help ensure that settlement spending reflects community priorities.[14]

What else should I know?

Not applicable.

Citations

1. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1). ↑

2. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(5). ↑

3. See OSPTR Board Meetings Archive. Oregon Health Authority website. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑
4. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(5). ↑

5. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(e)(B) (emphasis added). ↑

6. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(a)-(h) (Section 6(1)(f)-(h) describes the three nonvoting members). ↑

7. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(a)-(d). ↑

8. For OSPTR Board members representing local governments and the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials, the governor must appoint individuals from a list of candidates provided by the Association of Oregon Counties and the League of Oregon Cities. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(d). The governor must appoint the following three OSPTR Board members from a list of candidates provided by the other 12 voting members: (1) a representative of a community mental health program; (2) an individual who has experienced a substance use disorder or a representative of an organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with substance use disorders; and (3) an individual representing law enforcement, first responders, or jail commanders or wardens. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(e). ↑
9. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(a)-(e) (describing 12 voting members). ↑

10. The chairperson of this Council is appointed by the Director of the Oregon Health Authority. ORS Sec. 430.388(2)(a). ↑

11. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(1)(f)-(h). ↑

12. See “OSPTR Board Members” drop-down menu. ↑

13. Oregon Laws 2022, Chapter 63, Section 6(3). ↑

14. For example, as of September 1, 2024, Union County was recruiting a “lay member” for its Opioid Abatement Advisory Committees. See Committee Members Needed. Union County website. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑