OAR 291-124-0005: Authority, Purpose, and Policy

(1) Authority: The authority for this rule is granted to the Director of the Department of Corrections in accordance with ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 and 423.075. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to: (a) Specify the level of healthcare services to be provided to adults in custody (AIC) under the custody of the Department of Corrections; and (b) Establish department policies and procedures for reimbursement to those hospitals and community based healthcare professionals providing inpatient and outpatient services to AICs. (3) Policy: It is the policy of the Department of Corrections to: (a) Provide professional, quality, essential, and important healthcare services that support the health status of AICs during incarceration, including end of life care. (b) Deliver constitutionally mandated healthcare using an efficient managed care system in support of the mission of the department. (c) Ensure there is an organized system in place to provide AICs with access to care to meet their serious medical, dental, and mental health needs. (d) Conduct procedures in a clinically appropriate manner using appropriately credentialed personnel in an appropriate setting consistent with the standards for similar care provided in the community. (e) Death with Dignity Act: It is the policy of the department not to participate in or allow other health care providers to participate on its premises in the Death with Dignity Act (ORS 127.800 to 127.897). Consistent with this policy, AICs will not be permitted to access end of life counseling or drugs under the DWDA, However, the department will continue to offer AICs medically appropriate end of life care, including counseling, hospice and palliative care, through Health Services.