Ben Botkin

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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Despite Budget Crunch, Oregon Health Authority Plans 3 New High-Level Behavioral Health Positions

Some state employees question the decision which is part of an overhaul by Steve Allen, who was hired as the agency's behavioral health director last year.

Jul 7, 2020
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Despite Budget Crunch, Oregon Health Authority Plans 3 New High-Level Behavioral Health Positions

The Oregon Health Authority started its plans to add new management positions last year.

Jul 7, 2020
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MIKA BAUMEISTER/UNSPLASH

Governor Mandates Face Masks But Not Enforcement

“Moving to a mandate instead of an advisory is stepping things up although at least so far, it just seems to be a change in language rather than a change in de facto enforcement," a health care advocate says.

Jul 1, 2020
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Governor Extends Mask Order To All Oregon Counties 

Gov. Kate Brown's expanded mask order came after pressure from local health officials and advocates.

Jun 29, 2020

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House lawmakers meet during the special session on Thursday, June 25, 2020. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Special Session Finishes As Budget Showdown Looms

Gov. Kate Brown -- and lawmakers -- hope that federal authorities will give Oregon money to help plug the budget hole before another special session later this summer.

Jun 29, 2020
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | COURTESY OF OREGON LEGISLATURE

After Rising Discrimination, Lawmakers Tackle Bill To Protect The Medical Rights Of People With Disabilities

Jun 25, 2020
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | RENAUDE HATSEDAKIS

Special Session Starts With Budget Shortfall Taking A Backseat 

Lawmakers will face the state budget crisis in a different special session, possibly as soon as July.

Jun 24, 2020
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Telemedicine visit with Kaiser Permanente. | COURTESY OF KAISER PERMANENTE NORTHWEST

State Insurance Regulators Extend Parity For Telehealth But Critics Say That's Not Enough 

Oregon is extending telehealth regulations that eased access during the pandemic until Dec. 31. But advocates and providers want them extended six months beyond that to give lawmakers time to enact a permanent change.

Jun 23, 2020
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OHSU Gets $2.3 Million Grant To Expand Addiction Fellowship Program

The federal award will help the university train more physicians in addiction medicine, an area that's sorely needed in Oregon.

Jun 22, 2020

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Patrick Allen. | COPYRIGHTED IMAGE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Oregon Health Authority ‘Made An Error’ In Reopening Data

The Oregon Health Authority undereported Multnomah County's COVID-19 hospitalization numbers to Gov. Kate Brown, but the plan to reopen the county will move forward regardless.

Jun 18, 2020