Drugs & Pharmacies

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Oregon House of Representatives in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon House passes pharmacy benefit manager bills

The bills had strong bipartisan backing after pharmacies pleaded for help. One sparked cost concerns from Oregon cities.

Jun 15, 2023
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Oregon Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Health care bills without price tag or controversy slip past Senate standoff

While the impasse in Salem has tied up major health care legislation, some consequential bills are becoming law

May 30, 2023
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THE LUND REPORT ILLUSTRATION/SHUTTERSTOCK

Bills intended to help Oregon pharmacies caught up in walkout

Lawmakers began regulating pharmacy benefit managers in 2015, but the state has never issued an enforcement action

May 23, 2023
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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, 2023
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MEMED_NURROHMAD/PIXABAY

Bill seeks to put HIV drugs in hospitals across state and in hands of patients

Post-exposure prophylactic drugs can stop the spread of HIV. But they’re not always available when people need them most.

Apr 11, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Bill seeks personal data collection on people who use legal psilocybin in Oregon

Proponents say the data is protected and will benefit the program. Critics say it will deter patients.

Feb 28, 2023
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From left, Cheryle A. Kennedy, Chairwoman for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Kelly Rowe, Health and Wellness Director for the Tribe; and Multnomah County Commissioner Diane Rosenbaum cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Great Circle Recovery at 3580 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland on Feb. 6, 2023. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

New clinic in Portland poised to treat fentanyl addiction in youths and adults

Unlike most providers, Great Circle Recovery’s opioid treatment program will offer methadone to youths, which can better treat fentanyl withdrawal.

Feb 7, 2023
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Emily Savage and Michael Daher, who manage Myrtle Drugs in Myrtle Creek, told the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee during an online hearing on Jan. 24, 2023, that pharmacy benefit managers' business practices are destabilizing independent pharmacies. | SCREENGRABS VIA OLIS.OREGONLEGISLATURE.GOV/THE LUND REPORT

Drug supply companies squeezing pharmacies out of existence, Oregon lawmakers warn

Seven bills, featuring bipartisan support, aim to clamp down on pharmacy benefit managers.

Jan 26, 2023
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PIXABAY

‘Microdosing’ allowed under Oregon’s new psilocybin program

Despite concerns, adults will soon be allowed to legally take psilocybin in Oregon at doses so small they won’t cause hallucinations. 

Jan 17, 2023
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MADONNA MCGUIRE SMITH, HEAD OF PACIFIC NORTHWEST BLEEDING DISORDERS, AND HER FAMILY EARLIER THIS YEAR./COURTESY PHOTO

Patient groups back bill to protect benefits of pharma copay programs

High drug costs, under-the-radar insurer policies can put patients in a bind as hefty copays mount.

Dec 15, 2022
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