Jake Thomas

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A view of the Oregon State Capitol in November 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill would shield Oregonians’ credit scores from medical debt

Supporters say opaque health care billing practices can destroy lives when mixed with credit bureaus, the ‘gatekeeper’ of our economy

Jan 30
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Marketing material for an AI program that performs some functions of nurses. | SCREENSHOT

As AI advances, Oregon lawmakers seek to specify only humans can be nurses

A narrow bill would be one of the first attempts in Oregon to regulate the rapidly changing technology that some worry could supplant medical professionals

Jan 30
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Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles is tentatively being absorbed by California-based Adventist Health. | PHOTO BY LARVICK MEDIA/COURTESY OF MCMC

Unions, care groups want appeals court to preserve Oregon health care merger oversight

As consolidation continues, the program has brought large health care transactions into focus. But a challenge over its constitutionality continues

Jan 28
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OREGON MEDICAL GROUP IS A MAJOR PROVIDER IN LANE COUNTY,/CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Three health care companies increased costs excessively, Oregon warns

Notices to Oregon Medical Group, Moda Health and UnitedHealthcare amount to “first strike,” one official said. The new program is preparing to leverage its authority in an effort to rein in inflation affecting patients and consumers and other members of the public.

Jan 22
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Oregon House legislative leaders speak to the press during a Jan. 16, 2025 media availability about the upcoming legislative session. From left, House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, House Speaker Julie Fahey and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Provider taxes, staffing shortages and mental health will be top priorities for lawmakers in 2025

Looming over the session are a possible contempt order over the Oregon State Hospital as well as Trump administration changes

Jan 21
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State Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, speaks during a legislative hearing in December 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon’s health care staffing shortages could get relief under new bills

Two influential Democrats have joined a Republican lawmaker on efforts to make it easier for out-of-state professionals to ease staffing problems and help patient access

Jan 16
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Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman speaks about his efforts to curb what critics call the "corporatization of medicine" at the Oregon Health Forum on Oct. 16, 2024, in Portland. To his left is Brian Kelly, CEO of Women’s Healthcare Associates. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bowman reboots Oregon push to limit corporate control of medicine

The revived bill addresses criticism from providers, multinational corporations and other interests that helped sink it last year

Jan 14
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Salem Health Salem Hospital. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Salem Health, Regence point fingers as 30,000 lose access

The two sides appear far apart as Salem Health seeks a major increase to cover recent inflation and Regence offers far less

Jan 9
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As pharmacies keep closing, Oregon lawmakers will try again to change how they’re paid

Bill seeks stronger curbs on the pharmaceutical benefit companies accused of strong-arm business practices

Jan 9
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A view of the Oregon State Capitol in November 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers outline plans, priorities for health care in session

The upcoming five-month session could lead to significant progress, according to a legislative panel

Jan 7
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