July 1, 2009 -- For the second legislative session in a row, the state’s two largest nurses unions failed to see eye to eye on the need for specific nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in hospitals.
Filters
July 1, 2009 -- People who doctor shop for painkillers such as Oxycodone could have a difficult time getting multiple prescriptions once state officials set up a drug monitoring database. With the death of pop star Michael Jackson, this issue has dominated the headlines.
July 1, 2009 -- Serious illness, death and dying are often difficult subjects to talk about. However, a lack of communication among individuals, families and health care professionals on these matters often leads to distress for both patients and their families.
June 29, 2009 -- Charlie Ringo, attorney and former Oregon Senator, says he will appeal the decision to uphold a 26 percent rate increase on Regence individual health plans that took effect last year.
June 24, 2009 -- Close to 100 people rallied for single payer healthcare today on the steps of the Federal Building in downtown Portland to deliver Sen. Ron Wyden a message: They want change, not compromise.
June 22, 2009 -- Governor Ted Kulongoski has yet to sign into law a provider tax (House Bill 2116) that will allow another 80,000 children and 35,000 low-income adults to become insured. Nevertheless, Health Net of Oregon plans to charge higher rates to compensate for the 1 percent premium tax.
Originally at LATimes.com
June 17, 2009 -- Executives of three of the nation's largest health insurers told federal lawmakers in Washington on Tuesday that they would continue canceling medical coverage for some sick policyholders, despite withering criticism from Republican and Democratic members of Congress who decried the practice as unfair and abusive.
Originally at BendBulletin.com
June 18, 2009 -- Oregon has long been a darling of those who look at health costs. In most measures, the state, including Central Oregon, shows remarkable restraint, turning in some of the lowest costs in the nation.
June 17, 2009 -- People addicted to pain medications know the ropes. They go from one doctor to the next and end up with multiple prescriptions for such painkillers as Oxycodone or Vicodon.
June 17, 2009 -- Strange bedfellows. That’s how Ron Pollack describes his recent collaboration with the pharmaceutical trade group, better known as the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of America.