Judge fines Oregon Health Authority, state hospital for violating U.S. Constitution

SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State Hospital have been found in contempt and fined for violating the U.S. Constitution.

That finding was handed down by a U.S. federal district court judge on Friday. It has to do with mental health care.

Citing a report by OHA, Marion County says hundreds of new forensic mental health treatment beds are needed but have not materialized. The county argued the state was not in compliance with the law.

“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,” Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell said in a news release.

This all comes as the state hospital is in danger of losing its accreditation.

KATU reached out to OHA and the state hospital. OHA said it is reviewing the opinion and evaluating the next steps.