Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services

Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services Welcome to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services' official page.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. We are a resource to Oregonians in areas involving finance and insurance, workplace safety and health, and building safety. Read our social media comment policy: www.oregon.gov/dcbs/Pages/Social-Media-Comment-Policy.aspx

Congratulations to Oregon Small Business Ombudsman Caitlin Breitbach for being recognized by the International Associati...
06/17/2026

Congratulations to Oregon Small Business Ombudsman Caitlin Breitbach for being recognized by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) as one of seven recipients of its 2026 NextGen Awards!

Caitlin leads the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) for Workers’ Compensation, which serves as an independent advocate for workers’ compensation questions, complaints, and disputes. SBO helps small businesses by explaining workers’ compensation insurance coverage requirements, providing advice on how to shop for insurance, and helping businesses that are in dispute with their insurance company. Learn more about SBO at oregon.gov/dcbs/sbo.

Caitlin has been the small business ombudsman since 2024. She has worked for the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services since 2017, which includes stints as the assistant small business ombudsman, a reemployment specialist on the Workers’ Compensation Division’s Employment Services Team, as well as a policy analyst and training coordinator for the Building Codes Division. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in human resources and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

“I'm incredibly honored to be included in such a distinguished and talented group of workers’ compensation professionals,” Caitlin said. “I’m happy to play my part in helping Oregon small businesses so they don’t have to navigate the often-confusing workers’ compensation system alone.”

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) issued a cease-and-desist order against ClearShare Health (ClearShare)...
06/16/2026

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) issued a cease-and-desist order against ClearShare Health (ClearShare) on April 24 after it was revealed the company was operating as a business of insurance without obtaining a certificate of authority, which violated the Oregon Insurance Code.

Because of that order, HealthCare.gov has opened a special enrollment period (SEP) for members who had coverage with ClearShare at any time during 2026. Those who are currently covered by ClearShare will lose their coverage as of Sept. 1, 2026, unless an earlier cancellation is requested. The SEP began on June 15 and ends Aug. 14. Individuals and families can find coverage by visiting HealthCare.gov.

Anyone with issues getting new health insurance can call HealthCare.gov at 800-318-2596 (toll-free) and let them know you are a ClearShare member seeking new coverage. Your marketplace coverage will generally begin on the first day of the month after you select a plan. To activate your coverage, you must pay your first premium.

For more information, read the press release at https://dfr.oregon.gov/news/news2026/Pages/20260616-enrollment-clearshare-health-members.aspx.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Financial exploitation is one of the most common – and least reported – form...
06/15/2026

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Financial exploitation is one of the most common – and least reported – forms of elder abuse. Scammers and even trusted individuals can take advantage of older adults, leading to devastating financial and emotional harm.

Look for these red flags and risk factors:
• New “friends” influencing money decisions
• Unusual withdrawals
• Sudden changes to financial documents including power of attorney or account beneficiaries
• Uncharacteristic anxiety or fear
• Recent loss of a partner
• Cognitive decline and social isolation

Protect yourself and your loved ones by:
• Talking about scams and fraud
• Monitoring accounts regularly
• Setting up trusted contacts on financial accounts
• Reporting suspicious activity right away

Together, we can protect the dignity and security of older adults. Learn how to protect yourself and others from financial fraud at https://dfr.oregon.gov/financial/resources/Pages/index.aspx.

For more information, read the press release at https://dfr.oregon.gov/news/news2026/Pages/20260612-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day.aspx.

Crypto ATMs are popping up in stores and restaurants to let you buy cryptocurrency with cash, but scammers are using the...
06/12/2026

Crypto ATMs are popping up in stores and restaurants to let you buy cryptocurrency with cash, but scammers are using them to steal your money. If anyone calls or texts and tells you to deposit cash into a crypto ATM, it’s a scam.

Learn more about crypto ATMs at https://dfr.oregon.gov/Documents/Bitcoin-ATMs-Alert.pdf.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is excited to announce that Todd Smith has been chosen as the ad...
06/11/2026

The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is excited to announce that Todd Smith has been chosen as the administrator for the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). He has been serving as the acting administrator for the division since January 2026. He replaces Alana Cox, who is now the DCBS deputy director.

“I have been impressed with Todd’s leadership and eagerness to dive right into the role. His depth of understanding of the building codes program, leadership skills, and political acumen – as well as his ability to build trust and relationships with the team, local governments, and the construction industry – sets him apart,” said Sean O’Day, DCBS director. “He is just the right person to steward BCD’s modernization and efficiency efforts, advance Gov. Tina Kotek’s priority of housing production, and lead the division into the future.”

Smith started with BCD in 2015 as a policy analyst and then later served as a senior policy advisor. In 2020, he became the interim BCD Enforcement manager. He was then the Policy and Technical Services manager from 2021 until he took on the role of acting administrator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Sonoma State University and a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law. He is an active member of the Oregon State Bar Association.

“I look forward to continue working with all of the division’s partners and stakeholders to further our efforts to make sure the buildings in Oregon are safe,” Smith said.

Do you have a passion for helping our Spanish-speaking community? Are you energized by engaging with people and helping ...
06/09/2026

Do you have a passion for helping our Spanish-speaking community? Are you energized by engaging with people and helping them obtain the information they need? Join our team!

The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) is hiring a customer service representative who is bilingual in Spanish (public service representative 3). You will act as the shared receptionist for the agency and be the first point of contact for the public, receiving telephone and in-person inquiries related to the division and the Department of Consumer and Business Services director’s office. You will interact with internal and external customers, as well as provide administrative support to WCD program areas, performing general office tasks and clerical duties.

Learn more about the position and apply by Sunday, June 14, at https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--DCBS--Labor--Industries-Building/Customer-Service-Representative---Bilingual-Spanish--Public-Service-Representative-3-_REQ-201275.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Oregon health insurers have submitted proposed 2027 rates for individual and small group plans, launching a monthslong r...
06/08/2026

Oregon health insurers have submitted proposed 2027 rates for individual and small group plans, launching a monthslong review process that includes public input and meetings. For more information, read the press release at https://dfr.oregon.gov/news/news2026/Pages/20260608-reinsurance-program-2027.aspx.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) conducts a transparent health insurance rate review process annually for health plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act for small businesses and people who buy their own coverage rather than getting it through an employer. DFR must review and approve rates before they are charged to policyholders.

Health insurance choices for Oregonians remain strong despite broader market changes. Kaiser, Moda, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, and BridgeSpan will offer plans in the individual market for 2027. Providence and PacificSource will leave the individual market at the end of the year and did not submit 2027 individual rate filings for consideration.

The Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the market and lower rate increases. This year, the reinsurance program lowered rates by an average of 9.7 percent, minimizing price increases felt by consumers.

The public is invited to attend virtual public meetings about the 2027 requested health insurance rates and can also comment on the proposed rates through Monday, July 13, by visiting oregonhealthrates.org.

Hitting the road this summer? Before heading off on your adventure, take time to review your auto insurance coverage so ...
06/08/2026

Hitting the road this summer? Before heading off on your adventure, take time to review your auto insurance coverage so you’re not caught off guard if something goes wrong.

Make sure you have the protection you need, especially for liability, property damage, roadside assistance, and rental coverage. A quick check now can save you time, stress, and money later. Safe travel starts with smart planning. Contact your insurance agent or company to review your policy.

Visit the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s website to learn more about auto insurance: dfr.oregon.gov/insure/auto

A new law going into effect June 5, House Bill 4116 (2026), closes a loophole that allowed internet lenders to charge in...
06/05/2026

A new law going into effect June 5, House Bill 4116 (2026), closes a loophole that allowed internet lenders to charge interest rates in excess of Oregon’s limit of 36 percent for consumer finance loans.

Consumer finance loans are unsecured small dollar loans with a term of 60 days or more. Since 2007, consumer finance loans in Oregon have been limited to a 36 percent interest rate. This limit is intended to protect Oregonians from predatory lending practices.

However, some lenders have sought to take advantage of a provision in federal law called the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA) enabling state-chartered banks from other states to export their home state’s interest rate to Oregon. By partnering with a bank chartered in a state that allows higher interest rates, some lenders have charged Oregonians interest in some cases in excess of 100 percent APR. For more information, read the press release at https://dfr.oregon.gov/news/news2026/Pages/20260604-high-interest-loans.aspx.

Oregon consumers should know that if they are charged interest in excess of 36 percent for a consumer finance loan, it is likely in violation of the law. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) strongly encourages consumers to contact DFR’s consumer advocates for assistance by calling 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or visit dfr.oregon.gov/help.

Join us at the Governor’s Marketplace 2026 Conference & Tradeshow, June 10, in Ontario. Staff members with the Office of...
06/04/2026

Join us at the Governor’s Marketplace 2026 Conference & Tradeshow, June 10, in Ontario. Staff members with the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) for Workers’ Compensation and the Preferred Worker Program will be there to provide information about workers’ compensation compliance and preferred worker incentives for employers.

The Governor’s Marketplace is Oregon’s premiere contracting and business‑resource event offering training, networking, and opportunities to help businesses connect with state agencies. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. To register, go to https://www.oregon.gov/das/Procurement/gmp/Pages/index.aspx.

For information about SBO, visit oregon.gov/dcbs/sbo.
Learn about the Preferred Worker Program at www.oregonpwp.com.

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Salem, OR
97309

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15033784100

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