State Health Policy

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Members of Oregon's Universal Health Plan Governance Board meet for the first time in Salem on April 16, 2024. From left, Dr. Helen Bellanca, the board's chair; Dr. Bruce Goldberg, a veteran public health official; Debra Diaz, a physicians associate; Warren George, a retired businessman and the board's vice-chair. | JAKE THOMAS

Ambitious Oregon universal health board launches amid questions

After Gov. Kotek raised questions over its justification, appointed board will try to forge clear, specific answers to how the state could succeed where others have not

Apr 18, 2024
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Nurses union sees snag with hospital staffing law about to take effect

After pushing for the new nurse-to-patient ratios, the union is concerned by the state's proposed rules dictating how they’ll play out in emergency departments

Apr 11, 2024
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The Oregon Health Authority headquarters in Salem on Nov. 8, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

Oregon maternal health employee indicted in Texas

An Oregon Health Authority employee has been accused of exporting marijuana to a Texas crime ring

Apr 9, 2024
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A view of the Oregon State Hospital in Salem on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

'Super-lawyer' backs Marion County in Oregon State Hospital appeal

A different judge has once again denied an effort by Marion County to steer state psychiatric discharge policies in a new direction. Now prominent conservative attorney Jim Bopp is entering the fray.

Apr 9, 2024
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A view of the Oregon State Hospital spire from the courtyard on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

Marion County, crime victims ask new judge for more say on Oregon State Hospital case

Federal case managing the state psychiatric institution draws new motions citing public safety concerns

Apr 1, 2024
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Activists on Feb. 13, 2023, protested the proposed closure of Mount Hood Family Birth Center in Gresham. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

State wants Oregon hospitals to think twice before cuts

Legacy Health’s attempt to close a maternity unit last year has sparked a requirement that hospitals consider the impact to communities before reducing services

Mar 21, 2024
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Long-delayed Oregon program for people in mental distress nears reality

As soon as this summer, people facing a crisis could get support from others in home-style settings around the state

Mar 19, 2024
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SAMARITAN PACIFIC COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL IN NEWPORT./VISITOR7/CC BY-SA 3.0/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Former Samaritan Health exec claims state contract violations

Melissa Isavoran claims the regional insurer contracted by the state to oversee care for low-income people fired her for flagging violations, but the health plan declines comment

Mar 14, 2024
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Pictured: the North Albany building of The Corvallis Clinic, P.C. | COURTESY OF THE CORVALLIS CLINIC, P.C.

Optum purchase of Corvallis Clinic dodges state review

To avoid insolvency, the business needs to be bought quickly by UnitedHealth Group without the service guarantees that the state had earlier sought, officials say

Mar 13, 2024
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Private equity and large corporations have a complicated and not always noticed presence in health care. A bill limiting the corporate practice of medicine failed to pass the Oregon Legislature despite broad support. | SHUTTERSTOCK

What killed the Oregon effort to curb corporate medicine?

Concerns over big business in health care propelled a rookie lawmaker’s bill through the House before opponents entangled it in delay, objections

Mar 12, 2024