Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 813 § 813.160 — Methods of conducting chemical analyses; duties of Department of State Police;
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 813 ·
Oregon Code § 813.160·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Methods of conducting chemical analyses; duties of Department of State Police;
reports; costs.
(1) A chemical analysis is valid under ORS 813.300 if:
(a) It is an
analysis of a persons blood for alcohol content and is performed in:
(A) A laboratory
certified or accredited under 42 C.F.R. part 493 and approved for toxicology
testing;
(B) A laboratory
certified under ORS 438.040 and approved for toxicology testing; or
(C) A forensic
laboratory established by the Department of State Police under ORS 181A.150
that is accredited by a national forensic accrediting organization.
(b) It is an
analysis of a persons breath and is performed by an individual possessing a
valid permit to perform chemical analyses issued by the Department of State
Police and is performed according to methods approved by the Department of
State Police. For purposes of this paragraph, the Department of State Police
shall do all of the following:
(A) Approve
methods of performing chemical analyses of a persons breath.
(B) Prepare
manuals and conduct courses throughout the state for the training of police
officers in chemical analyses of a persons breath, which courses shall
include, but are not limited to, approved methods of chemical analyses, use of
approved equipment and interpretation of test results together with a written
examination on these subjects.
(C) Test and
certify the accuracy of equipment to be used by police officers for chemical
analyses of a persons breath before regular use of the equipment and
periodically thereafter at intervals of not more than 90 days. Tests and
certification required by this subparagraph must be conducted by trained
technicians. Certification under this subparagraph does not require a signed
document.
(D) Ascertain the
qualifications and competence of individuals to conduct chemical analyses in
accordance with one or more methods approved by the department.
(E) Issue permits
to individuals according to their qualifications. Permits may be issued to
police officers only upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed training
course and written examination. A permit must state the methods and equipment
that the police officer is qualified to use. Permits are subject to termination
or revocation at the discretion of the Department of State Police.
(2) In conducting
a chemical test of the blood, only a duly licensed physician, a phlebotomist or
a person acting under the direction or control of a duly licensed physician may
withdraw blood or pierce human tissue. A licensed physician, a phlebotomist or
a qualified person acting under the direction or control of a duly licensed
physician, is not civilly liable for withdrawing any bodily substance, in a
medically acceptable manner, at the request of a peace officer.
(3) An individual
who performs a chemical analysis of breath or blood under ORS 813.100 or
Plain English Explanation
This Oregon statute addresses Methods of conducting chemical analyses; duties of Department of State Police;
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Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 813.160
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Read the full statute text above for details.
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