(1) As used in this section, ‘brain injury’ means damage to the brain from an internal or external source that results in total or partial impairment in critical functions, including but not limited to attention, memory, reasoning, problem solving, processing speed, decision-making, learning, perception, sensing, speech and language, motor and physical function or psychosocial behavior, and that is of sufficient severity to produce partial or total disability.

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(2)(a) The Department of Human Services shall provide the following services to individuals with brain injuries, delivered in a person-centered manner and in collaboration with the individual:

(A) Service coordination;

(B) Resource navigation;

(C) Advocacy; and

(D) Options counseling.

(b) Services provided under this subsection may not include institutionalization, hospitalization or medication.

(3) The department is authorized, but not required, to contract with or provide grants to third parties to provide services described in subsection (2) of this section.

(4)(a) The department shall convene a Brain Injury Advisory Committee to advise the department in the development of brain injury programs, services described in subsection (2) of this section and other activities that the department may develop to address the needs of individuals with brain injuries.

(b) The membership of the advisory committee must consist of between six and 12 individuals with knowledge and experience in brain injuries and be broadly representative of the geographic areas of this state. At least one-third of the members must have experienced a brain injury.

(c) Members of the advisory committee are entitled to compensation and actual and necessary travel or other expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as specified for qualified members of boards or commissions in ORS § 292.495. [2023 c.573 § 1]