PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After passing in the Oregon House, a bill that aims to improve healthcare access for Oregonians with developmental disabilities is now headed to the governor's desk.

Senate Bill 729 will mandate that public bodies never deny mental health assessments or treatment to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“For too long, people with I/DD have faced gaps in care and fragmented services,” Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Inner SE Portland) said. “This bill ensures we finally hold our system accountable for delivering the care these Oregonians deserve.”

This bill would apply to the Oregon Health Authority, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education, the Oregon Medical Board, and other health licensing agencies. It would not apply to the

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