Access & Quality

SHUTTERSTOCK

New OHSU tool would track behavioral health beds

The system will share data on patients and bed availability, making it easier to find needed placements

May 2
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Yadira Martinez of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Institute is one of the first dental therapists approved to treat cavities in Oregon. Lawmakers approved the profession in 2021 to save money and combat inequities, but pilot programs set up for training are slated to go away in less than two years. | COURTESY VIRGINIA GARCIA

They were supposed to fix dental shortages, but Oregon has only a handful

Two years ago, state lawmakers approved a new profession to combat inequities and save money. But a narrow licensing path has limited the number of these dental therapists.

Apr 25
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THOMAS BREHER/PIXABAY

Oregon lawmakers ponder price limits for prescription drugs

Oregon could join other states attempting to set limits for how much insurers can pay for prescription drugs

Apr 13
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The closure of Legacy's Mount Hood birth center was marked with a vigil on March 17, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy reverses course on closure of Gresham birth center

Facing scrutiny from health officials, Legacy signaled it is assembling doctors in staff to reopen the maternity center within 90 days

Apr 12
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MEGAN REXAZIN/PIXABAY

Panel: Should Oregon heed lessons from health systems abroad?

Oregon Health Forum is hosting a virtual discussion that contrasts other countries’ health systems with Oregon’s

Apr 11

Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon House passes bills removing dental assistant testing requirements

Backers of the bills say tests have become a stumbling block for attracting more needed dental assistants

Apr 6
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Lawmakers consider revising Oregon’s health care cost-growth target

Inflation, the pandemic as well as labor and pharmaceutical costs cast doubt on the feasibility of the state’s cap on health care expenses

Apr 4
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The closure of Legacy's Mount Hood birth center was marked with a vigil on March 17, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Health Authority denies Legacy’s request to close Gresham maternity unit

Health officials accused Legacy of creating a staffing problem and signaled the health system could face penalties for the closure

Mar 29
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State Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland, testifies to the Oregon House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee about a bill he sponsored to overhaul Measure 110 on March 28, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Lawmakers seek fixes to Oregon’s drug decriminalization law

Legislation seeks to streamline the grant process envisioned in Measure 110 while better supporting its oversight council

Mar 29
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A health care worker pushes a gurney passed other workers in blue scrubs inside a hospital through a corridor.

Inside Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Unions, hospitals strike larger deal around minimum staffing compromise

Compromise on nurse-to-patient ratios includes union support for other hospital-backed bills

Mar 28
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