Oregon Health Authority Fined For Failing To Protect Public -06/06/25

SALEM, Ore. — Today, US Federal District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a contempt finding and imposed fines on the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon State Hospital (OSH) for violating the United States Constitution.

 

“Marion County applauds these fines designed to force Oregon State Hospital to finally get serious about providing the desperately needed mental health care that Oregon law requires and that is needed to protect public safety,” said Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell.

 

OHA’s own 2024 report showed that hundreds of new forensic mental health treatment beds are needed, though they have not materialized. Marion County joined Disability Rights Oregon, District Attorneys, Crime Victims, and Health Systems in asking the court to find contempt and ensure accountability by imposing fines so long as noncompliance continues.

 

“Public safety and mental health care are interconnected; we support both,” said Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron. 

 

Judge Nelson agreed with Marion County and others who opposed efforts by Disability Rights Oregon and Metropolitan Public Defender to force even more early discharges of untreated, mentally ill patients facing misdemeanor criminal charges.

 

“It is long past time for accountability for the ongoing failure of the Oregon State Hospital to care for criminally charged, mentally ill patients,” said Marion County Commissioner Colm Willis.

 

Marion County continues to evaluate the full impact of the court’s findings.