Multnomah County Administrative Rules (MCAR)
Comment Period for Proposed Updates to MCAR
Friday, January 31, the ACHP will publish a Notice of Intent to Adopt Proposed Rules. The public comment period on these proposed rules will be from Friday, January 31 to Saturday, February 15.
This update is not the major revision to the MCAR that the ACHP discussed with providers at listening sessions last year. That is still in development, and we are considering the feedback you provided during the listening sessions and online.
What is Included in the MCAR Proposed Rules?
The OAR was updated last year to align with federal laws and state senate bills. Now the MCAR must be updated to be in compliance with the OAR on:
- Home and Community-Based Services
- Mandated protections for LGBTQIA2S+ people, and people with HIV
- Opioid antagonist medication in behavioral health (MHA) adult care homes
How do I Review the Proposed Rules and Provide Comments?
The proposed rules, and all supporting documents will be published on this webpage on Friday, January 31. You can also pick up a print copy at the ACHP office.
Comments must be submitted in writing. They can be submitted via email or mail, or in person. They must be received by the ACHP by Saturday, February 15. Comments received after February 15 will not be reviewed.
- Email comments to achp.rac@multco.us.
- Drop off comments in person at the ACHP office, 600 NE 8th Street, Suite 100, Gresham, Oregon 97030. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Mail comments to: Mohammad Bader, Director, Department of County Human Services, C/O ACHP, 600 NE 8th Street, Suite 100, Gresham, Oregon 97030.
Please include your full contact information – name, mailing address and email – with your comments.
The Notice of Intent to Adopt Proposed Rules will also be posted in the Multnomah County Central Courthouse, published in The Oregonian and distributed to stakeholders, including SEIU 503 and the Independent Adult Foster Home Association.
Who Will Review the Comments?
All comments will be reviewed by either Mohammad Bader, the director of the Department of County Human Services, or Irma Jimenez, division director of Aging, Disability and Veterans Services by Tuesday, February 25.
What Regulations, Codes and Rules Influenced This Update?
Multnomah County Code, Chapter 23, Part 2: Adoption of Administrative Rules outlines the process the ACHP must follow to update the MCAR.
The state of Oregon made changes to these OAR that govern the licensing of adult foster homes in Oregon (referred to as adult care homes in Multnomah County):
- Chapter 309, Division 40
- Chapter 411, Division 49
- Chapter 411, Division 50
- Chapter 411, Division 51
- Chapter 411, Division 360
The proposed MCAR revisions bring the county into compliance with the state's updated OAR.
Other Regulations That Apply to Adult Care Homes
Adult care homes must follow other regulations, including housing, labor and tax laws:
- Housing: City building requirements, ADA requirements, fire code and more.
- Staffing: Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries