The Legislative Assembly finds alcoholism or drug dependence is an illness. The alcoholic or drug-dependent person is ill and should be afforded treatment for that illness. To the greatest extent possible, the least costly settings for treatment, outpatient services and residential facilities shall be widely available and utilized except when contraindicated because of individual health care needs. State agencies that purchase treatment for alcoholism or drug dependence shall develop criteria consistent with this policy in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority. In reviewing applications for certificate of need, the Director of the Oregon Health Authority shall take this policy into account.
ORS 430.315