State Health Policy

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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Nurses at Legacy Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Republicans want to ease entry of out-of-state nurses

Legislation billed as easing staffing shortages by adding Oregon to the interstate Nurse Licensure Compact faces headwinds.

Feb 20, 2023
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patient lies in bed next to a female medical worker who is examining a reading on a medical device.

FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

State prepares to take 300,000 people off Oregon Health Plan as pandemic measures end

Officials expect difficulty in reaching members of the Medicaid-funded program after a three-year pause in eligibility checks.

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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SHUTTERSTOCK

Bill seeking universal health care in Oregon gets first look

The legislation would create a state board charged with coming up with a plan for single-payer health care in Oregon.

Feb 14, 2023
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Understaffing concerns have helped fuel nurse union rallies such as the one outside Providence Health's Oregon headquarters in Portland on January 20, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Stressed and overworked, nurses want strict hospital staffing requirements

A union representing Oregon nurses says staff-to-patient ratios will halt nurses from fleeing the profession, while hospitals worry about fewer beds for patients.

Feb 9, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

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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