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An employee of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services helps a consumer pick a health care plan on the federal online health insurance marketplace. | DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES

Amid historic health enrollment gains nationally, Oregon holds steady

State officials say Oregon’s relatively flat enrollment with its subsidized insurance marketplace website reflects success with other health care initiatives

Jan 25, 2024
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The Capitol Building in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Democrats unveil bill to recriminalize drug possession, step up access to treatment

Three years after Oregon eliminated criminal consequences, influential lawmakers say it’s time for a course correction. Republicans say the changes wouldn’t be enough.

Jan 25, 2024

In many Australian hospitals, pregnant patients are given stillbirth prevention materials. | PETER DICAMPO/PROPUBLICA

As the U.S. struggles with a stillbirth crisis, Australia offers a model for how to do better

Australia has emerged as a global leader in the effort to lower the number of babies that die before taking their first breaths. It’s an approach that could benefit America, which lags behind other wealthy nations in reducing stillbirths.

Jan 24, 2024

PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Wastewater tests show COVID infections surging, but pandemic fatigue limits precautions

Some experts want to maintain and expand wastewater surveillance to stay on top of future waves at state and local levels, even as the public has wearied of COVID-19 mitigation efforts

Jan 24, 2024

Pictured is an exercise by Life Flight that did not involve actual patient transport. | COURTESY PHOTO

Air ambulances can be a lifesaver in remote Northeast Oregon, but they aren't cheap

In remote rural areas like Northeast Oregon, air medical transport can mean the difference between life and death — but it can also mean a hefty bill for people who lack coverage

Jan 24, 2024

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Oregon Medical Board should improve equity in doctor discipline, audit says

Medical board leadership agreed with recommendations to expand use of disciplinary guidelines and regular reviews to combat racism and ensure consistency

Jan 24, 2024
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America’s health system isn’t ready for the surge of seniors with disabilities

The number of older adults with disabilities — difficulty with walking, seeing, hearing, memory, cognition, or performing daily tasks such as bathing or using the bathroom — will soar in the decades ahead as baby boomers enter their 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Jan 23, 2024

people in surgical scrubs in hospital hallway

SHUTTERSTOCK

‘Shell game’: When private equity comes to town, hospitals can see cutbacks, closures

In the past couple of years, private equity’s foray into hospital ownership has drawn public outrage and, increasingly, legislative scrutiny

Jan 22, 2024

A picture of Rogue Regional Medical Center in 2007. At the time it was known as Rogue Valley Medical Center. | BY NICKNELSON/ENGLISH WIKIPEDIA VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

Infections remained high at Asante Rogue through 2023 despite claims of a decrease

Oregon Health Authority data shows Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center had high numbers of infections in the last two years. That’s the same timeframe a nurse was allegedly replacing patients’ fentanyl with tap water.

Jan 22, 2024