The state received $197.3 million in 2026 to improve rural healthcare and could receive more in the following four years. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will invest the federal funding in community-driven projects that improve healthcare access, boost chronic disease management and prevention, grow and sustain the healthcare workforce and expand the use of health technology and data in the state’s rural and frontier communities. OHA will move as fast as possible to distribute funding and plans to make two sets of awards in quick succession during 2026. Oregon initially requested $200 million annually, or a total of $1 billion over five years, from the federal program. OHA will scale down its original proposal to fit its given budget.

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy, especially individuals with knowledge and experience in health care and prescription drug payment systems. The board consists of eight members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate. Members serve four years and can seek reappointment. The time commitment is about 15 hours per month, including virtual board meetings held on the third Wednesday each month. The new member will begin serving in mid-2026. Applicants should apply through Workday by January 30.

• Read a letter about serving on the board.

• APPLY NOW!

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the January 21 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.

Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority issued the following statement: West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse AAP [American Academy of Pediatrics]-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential launch of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in the state. A key part of this effort is the release of a statewide Intent to Apply Survey to gather input from organizations across the state that plan to apply for future RHTP funding. For details about the survey, visit the RHTP website.

Survey Deadline: December 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT

Who should complete the survey?
Organizations that:

• Serve rural, frontier, or remote areas of Oregon
• Are in good standing with the State of Oregon

Even if your organization provided public comment in the fall, OHA encourages you to complete this survey.

Also in Oregon, the December 10-12 Board of Pharmacy Meeting agenda and meeting materials are now available.

Please note that on December 10, the board will meet in Executive Session for most of the day and anticipates resuming Open Session around 4:30 pm.

Please note that on December 11, the board anticipates meeting in Executive Session after roll call and resuming Open Session at 2:00 pm.

The board anticipates meeting in Open Session on December 12 and will break for lunch between 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm.

The Public may attend the board meeting in person during Open Session. Please see the meeting agenda for additional information. *Please be advised that additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.

Also in Oregon, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced TK Keen has been chosen as the state’s insurance commissioner. Keen has been serving in the acting insurance commissioner role since June and was deputy insurance commissioner for five years before that. He is also the administrator of the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of DCBS.

Finally in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the draft agenda for the December 17 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.