Update: Common Credentialing Program Ends
In 2020, OHA in consultation with health system partners and legislative sponsors, decided to officially end the Oregon Common Credentialing Program (OCCP), which had previously been suspended in 2018 (more information below). The legislation mandating OCCP and its requirement that OHA establish a centralized system for health care practitioner credentialing information was officially repealed by the Oregon legislature via 2021 House Bill 2078.
Announcement
July 25, 2018
After careful consideration and consultation with health system partners and legislative sponsors, we have decided to suspend the Oregon Common Credentialing Program (OCCP).
The Oregon Common Credentialing Program was intended by legislators to simplify credentialing processes, reduce burden on practitioners, and eliminate duplication. While there is broad consensus that the concept of centralizing credentialing information has merit, we have encountered significant challenges that make it difficult to implement a cost-effective program that would benefit all Oregon practitioners.
We find ourselves at a financial crossroads for OCCP.
The OCCP was intended to be solely fee funded, and no startup funding was allocated. This meant OHA has covered the costs of planning and implementation and planned to recoup these costs through program fees once the program launched. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of taking the time necessary to ensure the OCCP is successful before requiring broad participation. Delaying required participation means OHA will not collect fee revenue this biennium, creating a budget shortfall.
Stakeholder support for the OCCP has changed over time.
This project ended up being more complex, more expensive, and has taken considerably longer to implement than anyone predicted. OHA encountered significant challenges in designing a program that addressed the complexities of business practices while meeting accrediting entity standards for credentialing. Despite our efforts to mitigate these challenges, we find that support across stakeholders has diminished over time.
Evaluating OCCP and competing priorities.
To be good stewards of public resources, OHA had to evaluate OCCP costs in light of other near-term budgetary and policy priorities. Suspending the program will avoid further expenditures. Given these priorities, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the program.
The Common Credentialing Advisory Group met as planned on August 1, 2018. The group is now disbanded.
You can learn more about the OCCP and why it was suspended at our
FAQ.