Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• ​The board conducts affordability reviews under ORS 646A.694 on prescription drugs and insulin products based on criteria in OAR 925.200.0010 and OAR 925.200.0020. The board identifies up to nine drugs that it determines may create affordability challenges for health care systems or high out-of-pocket costs for Oregonians. Identifying insulin products is optional. ​The board presents the list to the Oregon Legislature each year. Learn more on the prescription drug review and data pages.
  
  
• ​​​​​​​In 2023, the Oregon Legislature directed the board through Senate Bill 192​ to study upper payment limits  and prepare an implementation plan The board prepared a report as outlined in ORS 646A.685. Find more information on the UPL archive page. 
  
  
• ​​The board provides reports and policy recommendations for the Oregon Legislature about ways to make prescription drugs more affordable. Read the 2025 annual report on the PDAB Legislative reports page.
  
  
• ​The board has approved policies to guide its work. The board may adopt rules in accordance with applicable provisions under ORS Chapter 183. Find all the policies and rules on the PDAB policies and rulemaking page. 
  
  
• ​ The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is established in the Department of Consumer and Business Services under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. The Oregon Legislature created the board through Senate Bill 844 (2021)​.

​Board meetings are virtual and take place on the third Wednesday of the month using Zoom for Government. View the board meeting schedule here. Register in advance for board meetings by clicking on the registration link next to the board meeting date. Meetings notices and agendas are posted on PDAB board calendar page and emailed out twice a month, two weeks and one week before the meeting. To receive notice of the board meetings, sign up here.

Meeting videos are posted on the board calendar page soon after each meeting. Meeting minutes are posted on the board calendar page after board approval.

​​You should receive an email from Zoom to confirm registration. If you have not received a confirmation email, try again to register by clicking on the Zoom registration link on the board calendar page. If you still have not received confirmation, email us so we can help resolve the issue, pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov.​

Sign up to speak to the board during the public comment portion of the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Or submit a letter or other material to the board. Here are the details:
 
Oral testimony
For oral comments, please submit the PDAB public comment form no later than 24 hours before the PDAB meeting. 

General written testimony
For written comments, please submit the PDAB public comment form with the letter no later than 48 hours before the PDAB meeting. Letters received after the timeframe will be considered at the following meeting.

Public comment for drug affordability review
For written comments specific to drugs under review by the board, please submit the PDAB public comment form by the deadlines that will be posted on the drug review page. For oral testimony about drugs under review by the board, please submit the PDAB public comment form no later than 24 hours before the PDAB meeting.  

All written comments will be posted to the PDAB public comments page.​

If you have trouble using the public comment form, send an email to PDAB@DCBS.oregon.gov​.

Oregonians can be more involved by signing up to receive emails about meetings and activities involving the board.

People can also attend an in person or online PDAB community forum. Find a flyer with dates, locations, and times on the PDAB website.

Participate in the public comment process by writing and submitting a letter to the board or signing up to speak during a board meeting. For questions, send an email to PDAB@DCBS.oregon.gov.​

​​Board policies, administrative rules and statutes are located on the policies and rulemaking page of the website.​​