Every state has a department of health by varying names. These agencies apply and enforce federal laws, but their structure and scope differ. The Oregon Health Authority is especially unique as it concerns these state-level health agencies.
Just what is the role of the Oregon Health Authority? What makes the OHA unique?
The Role of the Oregon Health Authority
The OHA plays a crucial role in protecting the public health of Oregonians by enforcing food safety across the state. These food safety standards are aligned with FDA codes and expectations. Typically, the OHA regulates everything from food vendor sanitization practices to properly storing and preparing food as well as employee hygiene.
The role of the Oregon Health Authority also includes licensing and inspecting food vendors. These inspections are random and unannounced. This allows the authority to properly verify that Oregon food vendors are following food safety code designed with the public’s interest and well-being in mind.
The OHA also helps to train and educate food handlers across the state. In order to be certified as a food handler in Oregon, an employee must pass an OHA-approved training program like the one here at American Course Academy. These programs ensure that food handlers are familiar with proper cooking and storage of food, hygiene standards and cross-contamination issues which can lead to harmful outbreaks.
This authority will also monitor any outbreaks and broadcast their response. The OHA works quickly to track the source of any foodborne illness and mitigate its effect. As Norovirus and other bacterial concerns come up around the state, this is clearly a critical role of the Oregon Health Authority.
What Makes the OHA Unique?
Unlike most states where public health, mental health and even Medicaid are administered by separate entities, the OHA decided to roll it all up into one. This allows the Oregon Health Authority an all-inclusive approach when it comes to regulating behavioral health, addiction treatment and Medicaid services.
The state of Oregon is also known for a program called CCO which stands for the Coordinated Care Organizations. The OHA oversees this program as well. This coordinated response helps to reduce costs across the board, making health care and mental health care more accessible and affordable for all Oregonians.
The role of the Oregon Health Authority is purposely transparent. The OHA puts a strong emphasis on transparency by listing online inspection results as well as food safety programs and outbreak alerts. The authority even leans on local enforcement agencies to help them to conduct inspections and enforce food codes. This is a unique approach that allows for a more decentralized tie between local communities and state regulators.
If you’re looking to become a certified food handler in the state of Oregon, then you are exactly where you need to be. Our food handling certification is approved by the OHA and you can acquire your certification the day of application. All you need is the internet and your device of choice. Get started on your Oklahoma ABLE certification today and see how quick and affordable American Course Academy's training programs can be.
