New Rules for Law Enforcement Interactions in Hospitals and FQHC
The 2026 Oregon Legislative Session enacted a new law, which pertains to hospitals and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Oregon, that’s effective June 5, 2026.
Senate Bill 1570, signed by Governor Kotek on March 31st, directs hospitals to establish designated public and nonpublic areas and designate an administrator to respond when law enforcement authorities arrive.
The Oregon SB 1570 Bill:
- Defines “law enforcement” as federal, state, and local law enforcement.
- Directs hospitals to designate nonpublic areas, where access is controlled, or patients receive care, including patient rooms
- Requires hospitals to designate an administrator to respond when a law enforcement officer arrives at the hospital
- Hospitals must maintain written policies on how to respond when law enforcement arrives at the hospital, including designating the administrator who will respond to law enforcement.
Hospitals and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are prohibited from disclosing information about a person’s health or immigration status for law enforcement purposes, unless required by law or court order.
Hospitals and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are required to treat information about citizenship or immigration status as protected health information under state law.
Hospitals and federally qualified health centers are prohibited from retaliating or taking adverse action against any worker who provides a patient with information published by a state agency about constitutional rights or legal services.