Yes on SB1570 - Healthcare Without Fear

I am writing to support SB1570, Healthcare without Fear, legislation that has been spearheaded by the Oregon Nurses Association. The legislation is based on California SB81, which was enacted in 2025. Across Oregon, health care providers are reporting that patients are delaying or avoiding medically necessary care due to fear of immigration enforcement in health care settings. When people avoid care, the consequences affect not only individual patients but public health and community safety statewide. SB1570 Summary: Protects Patients •Requires hospitals to designate non-public patient care areas where immigration enforcement is restricted unless agents present a valid judicial warrant or court order •Limits disclosures of sensitive information to immigration authorities •Treats a patient’s immigration status and place of birth as protected health information •Requires facilities to adopt internal policies for responding to enforcement requests Supports Health Care Workers •Staff in supervisory roles must take responsibility to interface with ICE •Prohibits retaliation or discipline against hospital workers who share lawful and accurate educational materials relating to immigration or constitutional rights •Applies protections broadly to frontline health care workers who directly interface with patients Enforcement •Relies on existing oversight structure: enforcement through the Oregon Health Authority The values that this bill upholds resonate with hundreds of healthcare workers across Oregon, who have supported Scrubs for Sanctuary’s Change.org petition “Protect safe access to health care for immigrant families” with 685 signatures and counting. We believe this legislation represents a balanced, practical approach that safeguards patient trust, supports ethical medical practice, and strengthens Oregon’s public health infrastructure. I respectfully ask that you support SB1570 in the 2026 short session and ask for your leadership in protecting safe access to health care across our state. Thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to the health and well-being of Oregonians.