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Kevin Heinrich, a licensed practical nurse, at a workstation at Mirabella Portland’s skilled nursing facility on Feb. 13, 2023. Nurses and other health care workers have become increasingly hard to find after the pandemic. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Long-term care providers say temp staff costs unsustainable, want help

Temporary staffing agencies helped with shortages during the pandemic, but providers and others say the high cost destabilizes health care

Feb 23, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Despite massive investment portfolios, Oregon hospitals say they need the Legislature’s help

High-stakes legislation to address low staffing and spiraling labor costs have put hospital finances in the spotlight

Feb 23, 2023
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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

Critics, backers emerge on Adventist plan to absorb Mid-Columbia Medical Center

Adventist Health’s proposal to absorb the financially strapped Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles has sparked numerous comments, including fierce support and opposition.

Feb 16, 2023
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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

Review launched of CareOregon-SCAN merger

Executives say they welcome the extended process, a first for the state, after some raised questions.

Feb 14, 2023
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Oregon hospitals back bill to compensate them for patients with nowhere to go

Patients are increasingly stuck in hospitals due to shortages at long-term care facilities. Hospitals want the state to staunch their red ink.

Feb 7, 2023
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YEONHEE LEE/PIXABAY

Legislation seeks stable funding for new 988 crisis hotline

The bill would establish a new cell phone tax to fund a hotline that advocates and lawmakers say is key to rebuilding Oregon’s mental health services. 

Feb 7, 2023
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OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN SALEM./PHOTOATELIER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Bills seek $185 million for local public health and behavioral health workers

Despite previous funding approved by the Oregon Legislature, proponents say the spending is needed to shore up a workforce teetering on collapse. 

Feb 2, 2023
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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

State should delay CareOregon-SCAN merger, urges prominent health care leader

John Santa, a longtime Oregon Health Policy Board member, says the risks deserve more study.

Feb 1, 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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OHSU Hospital on Marquam Hill. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Bucking bottom-line gloom, OHSU racks up surprise profits as patient revenues soar

Meanwhile, stock and bond market investment portfolio gains help drive OHSU’s net worth to $4 billion.

Jan 23, 2023
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