Legislative Committee members click here for committee resources.

About the OMA Legislative Committee: Charter

One of OMA’s highest priorities is representing members in Salem and Washington, DC. Members of OMA’s Legislative Committee and OMA Government Relations staff continually engage with state and federal legislators, regulators and agencies to advocate for issues that matter most to Oregon physicians and their patients.

The Legislative Committee is responsible for helping the OMA Government Relations staff develop and prioritize the OMA’s public policy agenda and coordinate quick and accurate responses to proposed legislation at the state and federal levels. The members of the Committee are part of a team that reviews relevant legislation and other requests to determine their impact on Oregon physicians.

The Legislative Committee helps to establish the rationale for supporting or opposing legislation or suggesting amendments. The Committee decides whether further review of information is necessary and will be responsible for consulting with appropriate colleagues to develop positions that represent the entire organization.  The Committee also participates in development of proposed legislation, and provides direction to our lobbying staff during sessions of the legislature and Congress.  Some of the Committee members may also be asked to serve as expert witnesses for the OMA and help in the development and writing of testimony for legislative hearings.  

Committee Leadership:

Chair
Vice-Chair
Legislation Review Subcommittee Co-Chairs

Appointment Terms: 

2 years

Frequency of Meetings:

The Committee shall meet monthly, or more often if needed, during the General Legislative Assemble (January – June of odd years) and the Special session. At other times (during the interim), the members shall meet every other month.

Subcommittees: Legislation Action Committee (LAC):

LAC subcommittee members are responsible for:

  • Preview legislative proposals that will impact the physician members, patients and the organization;
  • Suggesting and developing legislative proposals for the benefit of the physician members, patients and the organization;
  • Reviewing relevant bills and other requests to determine the impact;
  • Coordinating quick and accurate responses to proposed legislation; and;
  • Establishing the rationale for supporting or opposing legislation or suggesting amendments. LAC will decide whether further review of information is necessary and will be responsible for consulting with other appropriate OMA members

The initial responsibility of determining the OMA’s action on legislation will be decided by the LAC. The Chair of the Legislative Committee and the Executive Committee will remain responsible for all final actions taken. There will be NO additional meetings, only a requirement to review legislation.  The Government Relations staff will facilitate the work of the LAC by using an electronic database for legislation review.