The effectiveness of psilocybin in promoting mental health and increasing the brain's neuroplasticity showcased in recent studies has left us more intrigued about the full potential of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes. With an ever-increasing curiosity about this newfound avenue, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of individuals who embark on these journeys to better mental health.
But who is setting guidelines to ensure people taking psilocybin journeys are safe?
As intimidating as these journeys may sound for some, the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board was created to ensure that the products and methods employed in these treatments are safe and follow the rules and regulations of the state. We know uncharted territory may be anxiety-inducing, and we are prepared to walk the path with you.
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What Is the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board?
The Psilocybin Advisory Board is a department within the Oregon Health Authority that advises the institution on everything related to psilocybin, from its cognitive effects to proper state-wide regulations to appropriate therapeutic facilitation.
The board is housed within the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division’s Center for Health Protection, and serving on the board is not a paid position. OPAB was first established by the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act in 2020, which is now codified in Oregon law as ORS 475A.
Selection of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board
There are certain specifications on how applicants are chosen to serve as part of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board. Namely, a complete application includes:
- The potential member’s resume
- A short personal bio
- Responses to the three general application questions
- Background questions
- Personal demographic information
- Any voluntary disclosures
The Governor's Office of Executive Appointments page outlines how to apply to serve on a statewide board or commission. The members are ultimately appointed by the governor to serve 4-year terms and are filled as vacancies become available.
Composition of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board
The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board is comprised of the following:
- Public Health Director
- State Health Officer
- Designee of the Oregon Health Policy Board
- A psychologist
- A physician
- A naturopathic physician
- Individuals with professional experience in the fields of mycology, ethnobotany, psychopharmacology, and psilocybin harm reduction
- Individuals representing the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and Oregon Department of Justice
- 14-16 members appointed by the governor representing different departments within the Oregon Health Authority
In the following sections, we will cover the selection and roles of the board officers in more detail.
Election of Officers
There are three officers on the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, a chairperson and two vice chairpersons. Each officer is elected through a majority vote of the board and is granted a year in that position or until a successor is elected.
Chairperson
The chairperson presides over OPAB meetings with the assistance of the OHA section manager and accompanying staff. The chairperson also has the right to vote on issues before the OPAB while presiding and works with OHA staff on administrative matters and setting agendas for all OPAB meetings.
Although the chairperson holds authority in these meetings, the people who ultimately decide on policy regulations work for the Oregon Health Authority under the Oregon Psilocybin Division.
Vice-Chairpersons
The two vice-chairpersons also play a crucial role in the composition of the Board. They have all the rights, duties, and responsibilities of a regular OPAB member. Vice-chairpersons have the authority to act for the chairperson in their absence. The vice-chairpersons can also assist the chairperson in performing OPAB duties if needed.
Role of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board
The OPAB’s roles and responsibilities under ORS 475A include providing advice to OHA in the form of recommendations on available medical, psychological, and scientific studies in addition to relevant research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin therapy in treating various mental health conditions.
OPAB advises the Oregon Health Authority on the requirements, specifications, and guidelines for providing psilocybin services, ensuring that safety standards and public health protocols are thoroughly followed. The Board also aids in the formulation of a professional conduct code for psilocybin service facilitators, giving particular consideration to ethics.
Tangentially, OPAB makes recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the education, training, and examinations that psilocybin service facilitators must complete. They work to develop a long-term strategic plan to ensure psilocybin services will remain safe, accessible, and affordable therapeutic options when appropriate for the client.
Outside of its direct collaboration with OHA, the Board also monitors and studies federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding the substance. OPAB meets with the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon to discuss this act and relevant federal enforcement policies regarding psilocybin in Oregon.
All of this trickles down to how psilocybin treatment centers across the state are practicing their work. Choosing the right center can make or break your experience, which is why Clinical Cognitive Training is mindful of:
- The intent of our sessions
- The amenities we provide
- The calm aesthetics of our center provide peaceful outdoor and indoor space
- In-depth understanding of all the current and upcoming rules that govern this industry
Subcommittees
The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board sometimes appoints subcommittees and advisory groups to assist the Board. Technical advisory groups include experts with specialty knowledge, such as individuals with professional experience in the fields of mycology, ethnobotany, and psilocybin harm reduction.
The creation of a subcommittee follows a simple trajectory. The initial step is approval of the OPAB. The nomination for appointments to subcommittees can be done by any member or the full OPAB. After subcommittee approval, appointments to subcommittees require approval of the OPAB. The term of office of all members of the subcommittee is two years. The OPAB will appoint a successor before the expiration of the term of a member. Anyone who has served as a member is eligible to be reappointed.
The composition of a subcommittee necessitates a minimum of two OPAB members in addition to no more than 18 non-OPAB members. The subcommittee can’t be composed of more than 20 total members.
Clinical Cognitive Training: Educating Qualified Psilocybin Facilitators Who Can Safely and Effectively Administer Psilocybin for Mental Health Conditions
The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board was formed to help keep people safe on their psilocybin journeys, and CCT continues this work by educating and training facilitators. We are seeking professionals who are interested in undertaking Clinical Cognitive Training to become licensed psilocybin facilitators. Safely administering psilocybin has improved many people’s mental health, so we look forward to collaborating with individuals who are as excited about the possibilities of psilocybin as we are.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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