State Health Policy

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State hospital patients still held longer than court-ordered timelines, report finds

A landmark federal court order limiting how long certain patients can stay at the psychiatric facility has pressured local justice and health systems

Aug 2
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MJGRAPHICS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Flush with profits, Oregon Health Plan insurers tell Kotek they need flexibility

The governor urged the publicly funded coordinated care organizations to pony up additional funds for behavioral health, housing

Aug 1
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Justice department investigates nonprofit selected for $1.5 million state contract

The Oregon Department of Justice issued a wide-ranging demand to Black Mental Health Oregon for financial documentation

Jul 27
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SHUTTERSTOCK

State’s plan to pay $3 million for mental health centers sparks objections

Two groups with gaps in reporting and other issues will receive hefty grants to open long-awaited Oregon mental health respite centers, but advocates and state attorneys have concerns

Jul 20
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MJGRAPHICS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Pandemic handed big profits to companies serving the Oregon Health Plan

Contractors using state and federal funds to provide health care to 1.5 million low-income Oregonians amassed large sums while spending less on care

Jul 17
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The west plaza at Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | COURTESY OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Judge again rejects hospital lawsuit over psychiatric patient boarding

Four hospital systems, which provide a majority of Oregon’s psychiatric beds, indicated they are “assessing their options”

Jul 13
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LUND REPORT ILLUSTRATION/SHUTTERSTOCK

State extends discussion of cost impacts of Basic Health Program

Records show state officials honed “talking points” while negotiating “firestorm” of media attention

Jul 11
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St. Charles Health System in Bend. | COURTESY OF ST. CHARLES HEALTH

As hospitals ask for second look at civil commitment lawsuit, opponents say it’s nothing new

Disability Rights Oregon says hospitals are making the same argument, just without “disparaging” patients

Jul 11
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MOHAMED HASSAN/PIXABAY

Amid massive behavioral health spending, Oregon seeks information to guide it

The state has been spending a lot of money on fixing the behavioral health system — and hopes to do so according to a plan starting in 2024

Jul 6
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Federal judge makes changes to Oregon State Hospital rules

Lack of capacity at the state’s premier psychiatric facility continues to put the state in violation of a federal order, but a judge’s changes may help

Jul 6