HERC and Subcommittee Membership
The Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) is seeking volunteer subcommittee members for its Value-based Benefits Subcommittee (VbBS) and Evidence-Based Guidelines Subcommittee. Though there are no specific requirements for membership on these committees, the Commission is looking in particular for representatives who can advocate for the needs of Oregon Health Plan members related to coverage of a broad range of health services.
To apply, complete the HERC member/subcommittee application. Email herc.info@oha.oregon.gov for any questions.
Structure of the Health Evidence Review Commission and its Subcommittees
The Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) consists of
13 governor-appointed and senate-confirmed volunteer members, and the Commission develops and maintains the Prioritized List of Health Services, which determines the state benefit package for the Oregon Health Plan. HERC considers the best available evidence, expert input and public engagement to make these decisions. HERC has two subcommittees (described below) that undertake work chartered by the Commission.
The Value-based Benefits Subcommittee (VbBS) is a subcommittee that reports to HERC, making recommendations on coverage policy related to health conditions and services. VbBS discusses available clinical evidence, provider expertise, patient concerns and costs and generally takes a deeper dive of the issues that are later presented to the HERC. All recommendations made by VbBS are referred to the HERC who makes final decisions.
The Evidence-based Guidelines Subcommittee (EbGS) is a subcommittee that reports to HERC, making recommendations on controversial or complex topics that require a comprehensive evidence synthesis and involvement of subject matter experts. EbGS makes recommendations which are subsequently referred to HERC who makes final decisions.
Position Qualifications
For all positions, skill or experience evaluating clinical evidence, understanding the needs of health plan members and working with or representing the needs of Oregon Health Plan members will be considered in the application process. Some positions require particular professional qualifications or associations; a balance of perspectives and expertise is considered in evaluating all applications. The Governor and the Commission are committed to ensuring that all Boards and Commissions represent the growing age, racial and gender diversity of the state. All citizens who meet the required qualifications are welcome and encouraged to serve. Members are also required to disclose personal interests, beyond the legal requirements, for full transparency about the perspective they bring to the Commission.
Meeting Preparation
To prepare for meetings, Commissioners are expected to review meeting materials, with a special focus on topics related to their expertise. Examples of meeting materials for each group can be seen on the Commission’s
meeting archives page. The materials can be quite long (especially for the VbBS subcommittee) but much of this content consists of journal articles and guidelines which can be read selectively. The HERC meeting materials provide a closer approximation of the core recommendations VbBS members will review. EbGS meeting materials consist of more in-depth reviews and recommendations related to a small number of controversial topics, along with written public comments.
If you have questions about HERC or its subcommittees, contact
Jason Gingerich.
Meeting Schedules of HERC, VbBS and EbGS
- All meetings can be attended online, and some meetings can be attended in person at the member's option.
- HERC holds 5 to 6 meetings per year, generally 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, usually the second or third Thursday of the following months: January, March, May, August, October and November. Most members also serve one of two subcommittees, and may participate in additional work groups or advisory panels on occasion.
- VbBS meets the morning of the same day as the HERC meeting, usually 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, usually the second or third Thursday of the following months: January, March, May, August, October and November.
- EbGS generally meets from 2-5 p.m. on first Thursdays of February, April, June, September and December.
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
If you need help or have questions regarding accessibility, please contact Daphne Peck at 503-580-9792, 711 TTY or herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us.