State Health Policy

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Salem Hospital | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon again pays hundreds of nurses to ease hospitals’ staffing crunch

Despite the high demand for extra staff, most hospital requests went unfulfilled.

Jan 10, 2023
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Ebony Clarke, health director for Multnomah County, is moving to the state of Oregon to head its behavioral health division. | COURTESY MULTNOMAH COUNTY

Q&A: Ebony Clarke to lead state behavioral health division, a Kotek priority

Multnomah County official is moving to the Oregon Health Authority to lead the beleaguered state behavioral health division.

Jan 6, 2023
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Amazon's purchase of clinics in Oregon must undergo state review. Pictured, an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 737-800(BCF) freighter on final approach to JFK Airport. | ADAM MOREIRA (AEMOREIRA042281)/WIKIMEDIA CREATIVE COMMONS

Oregon OKs Amazon plan to buy chain of medical clinics

Because One Medical’s presence in Oregon is small, the purchase will not likely affect prices or patient access, state regulators conclude.

Jan 3, 2023
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Patrick Allen. | COPYRIGHTED IMAGE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen takes New Mexico job

The outgoing Oregon agency director will head the New Mexico Department of Health.

Dec 30, 2022
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State officials, advocacy group want hospitals’ lawsuit over psychiatric gridlock dismissed

Hospitals had blamed harm to psychiatric patients on state inaction, but new court filings fault hospitals themselves.

Dec 29, 2022
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Inside the Oregon Capitol Building in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Six legislative newcomers joining health care committees in Salem

Patterson, Nosse remain chairs, but each committee will see reshuffling as the Legislature prepares to tackle thorny health care issues.

Dec 28, 2022
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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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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Prusak floats legislation to overhaul Oregon State Hospital board

Draft bill circulated by outgoing Rep. Rachel Prusak seeks to stabilize the board’s spotty membership and better oversee the state's psychiatric hospital.

Dec 13, 2022
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James Schroeder. | COURTESY OF HEALTH SHARE OF OREGON

Governor-elect Kotek names James Schroeder to head Oregon Health Authority

Schroeder, CEO of the Portland region's Medicaid provider, Health Share of Oregon, has been named interim director of the Medicaid agency.

Dec 13, 2022

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Hearing Highlights Broad Concern Over State Hospital Order

A judge’s order intended to streamline the release of aid and assist patients at the Oregon State Hospital has staff, management and others concerned.

Dec 8, 2022
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