Oregon’s J-1 Waiver Program for Physicians

The Oregon J-1 Waiver Program for physicians traditionally is slower than many states to fill its statutorily allotted 30 Conrad recommendations. In 2016, Oregon used all 30 of its slots. Indications are that the slots will all be used again by the end of the current fiscal year. In comparison, Washington State has filled its slots the last few years, typically by around mid-year. Alaska, Montana, and Idaho have used the program sparingly.

The Oregon program has a $2000 application fee, which helps the State administer the program. The recommendations are managed by the Oregon Primary Care Office, which is part of the Oregon Health Authority’s Office for Health Policy and Research. The signatory to the recommendations is currently Director Marc Overbeck. The Program Coordinator is Dia Shuhart (503-373-0364). Oregon keeps track of applications as they are being prepared, and so it is a good idea to contact Ms. Shuhart before proceeding with an application. Certain rules have changed, and such communication is encouraged.

The Oregon regulations for their J-1 program can be found at OAR-409-035. Some points of note:

• Applications are adjudicated on first come, first served basis. The State regulations say the case will be handled within 15 days. Usually it is faster, if everything is in place.

• Oregon will grant FLEX spots. None were granted in 2015, and four in 2016. The applications should be vetted with the State ahead of time.

• Placement priority is with primary care, including Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN and General Psychiatrists.

• If a health care facility is located in a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) or Medically Underserved Population (MUP) that is not a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or if the request is for a flex option, then the facility must obtain prior approval from the Authority and provide documentation substantiating the area’s need for a physician.

• At least 40 percent of patients must be Medicaid, Medicare or other low income patients. At least 26% of the 40% must be Medicaid eligible, either through the Oregon Health Plan or through low income Medicare dual eligibility. Low income, uninsured is defined as 200% or less of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. Note: The 26% requirement is subject to change at the start of each program year, depending on the statewide percentage of Medicaid enrollees.

• Medicaid patients must represent a share of the overall facility’s patient population equal to or greater than the statewide percentage of the population eligible for Medicaid at the beginning of each program year as determined by the Authority. If this is not the case, a plan must be presented.

• Document attempts to actively recruit an American doctor for at least six months prior to submission of the application.

• Eighty percent of the slots allotted for each federal fiscal year are reserved for primary care physicians as defined in OAR 409-035-0010. Applications from community health centers with HPSA scores below 7 and from mental health facilities shall receive priority. The rules also state a preference for geographic distribution of the slots, and a cap of six per employer. The rules leave latitude for the program to adjust priorities according to changing needs.

Applications are mailed to:

Physician Visa Waiver Program
OHA-Health Policy & Analytics
500 Summer Street NE, E-65
Salem, OR 97301

Program details are subject to change. We are happy to assist, as need be. Oregon’s program website is here:

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPR/PCO/Pages/J1.aspx