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patient lies in bed next to a female medical worker who is examining a reading on a medical device.

FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

Medicare Punishes 2,499 Hospitals For High Readmissions

In its 10th annual round of penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, Medicare is reducing its payments to 47% of all facilities.

Oct 28, 2021

GÁBOR BEJÓ/PIXABAY

OHSU Doctor, Advocacy Group Challenge Residency Requirement In Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act

The national advocacy organization Compassion & Choices and an OHSU professor filed a lawsuit alleging the requirement in Oregon's medical aid in dying law violates the U.S. Constitution.

Oct 28, 2021

A man sits crosslegged on a sidewalk while holding a syringe and container of substance.

A man, 23, sits on the sidewalk in downtown Portland, preparing what he says is heroin, June 25, 2021. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Key Component Of Oregon’s Pioneering Drug Law Not Working In Early Months

Police officers are giving out few citations, and defendants aren’t taking advantage of the help for addiction that Ballot Measure 110 offers.

Oct 28, 2021

A registered nurse in St. Charles Bend’s intensive care unit stood outside a room where hospital staff treated an unconscious COVID-19 patient in May. | THE BULLETIN

Central Oregon Hospital Nurses Feel Despair 19 Months Into The Pandemic

Nurses at St. Charles Bend say they’re burned out after months of patients and families criticizing their work, saying the pandemic is a hoax.

Oct 28, 2021

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority Putting $15M Toward Immediate Behavioral Health Incentives

The short-term spending is an initial step toward stemming losses in the behavioral health field. But advocates say the system needs long-term investments.

Oct 28, 2021
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Oregon Health & Science University Center for Health and Healing Building 2 in the South Waterfront neighborhood, July 2020. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Former Employee Sues OHSU, Alleges Being Fired For Missing Work Due To COVID

The respiratory therapist claims she was fired for filing workers’ compensation claims after contracting COVID-19 on the job.

Oct 27, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

As Pandemic Abates, Challenges Will Persist In Health Care Industry

State lawmakers and health care industry experts say the future includes workforce and capacity challenges for Oregon — even after COVID-19 fades.

Oct 27, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Dollars At Risk

The state and local governments can’t agree on how the money should be allocated, putting the total amount available to Oregon in jeopardy.

Oct 26, 2021

GABRIEL/UNSPLASH

Understaffed State Psychiatric Facilities Leave Mental Health Patients In Limbo

The shortage of beds at Oregon State Hospital reflects a national trend linked to staffing deficits that are cramping services in the public mental health system.

Oct 26, 2021