OAR 582-080-0010: General Policy

(1) It is the policy of OVRS to purchase goods and services only from qualified vendors, in accordance with state licensure laws, OVRS Approval Standards, state purchasing regulations and applicable federal regulations. Goods and services will be purchased that are within the purview of the particular license or approval standards. (2) It is policy not to discriminate against a vendor based upon sex, race, creed, ethnic origin or disability. Favoritism by OVRS in the selection or use of a vendor — resulting from considerations unrelated to informed client choice, cost, quality, or other criteria in these rules — will be avoided. Other factors being equal, a suitable vendor nearest the client will be used. OVRS maintains a listing of approved vendors selected to provide services to the OVRS. (3) OVRS may select vendors or a pool of vendors on the basis of informed client choice in the context of third-party funding and comparative cost considerations. In addition, quality of service, facilities, barrier free access, program length, timeliness of needed services, and the vendor’s history of timely and completeness of reports may be considered by OVRS in making a selection. (4) It is OVRS policy that medical services will normally be purchased through the treating source when that source is willing and qualified to provide the authorized service at the rates OVRS would otherwise pay in the client’s geographic location. (5) OVRS may select vendors or a pool of vendors for medical services on the basis of informed client choice in the context of medical insurance and comparative cost considerations. In addition, quality of service, facilities, barrier free access, program length, timeliness of needed services, and the vendor’s history of timely and completeness of reports may be considered by the OVRS in making a selection. When more than one medical provider is listed in the geographic area, selection of appropriate medical providers may be made on distance from the client, an equal distribution of services, or rotation of available vendors.