legislature

Rep. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, said a proposal on kratom now has backing from Gov. Kate Brown, who vetoed a similar proposal last year./Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle

Legislature Moves Toward Approval Of A Bill To Regulate Kratom

The bill would regulate the manufacturing and sales of kratom, used as a stimulant or painkiller, and make it a misdemeanor to sell it to those under 21.

Mar 3, 2022

ROY MOORE (BOTTOM RIGHT) TESTIFIES IN FAVOR OF H.B. 4045 BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE ON FEB. 7, 2022./THE LUND REPORT

Oregon To Use Medicaid Funds For Violence Intervention

Lawmakers passed a bill that allocates $5 million to programs offering support to victims of gang violence and seeks Medicaid dollars for future funding.

Mar 2, 2022
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SHARON MCCUTCHEON ON UNSPLASH

Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Bill Advances

Approved by the House, the legislation would lower barriers to surgical technologist certification to address shortages around the state.

Feb 17, 2022
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illustration of a boy sitting in a doorway looking down.

SHUTTERSTOCK

For Steve Allen, Behavioral Health System’s Overhaul Is Deliberative Work

An Oregon Health Authority proposal to charge counties for unaccepted Oregon State Hospital patients won’t kick in until at least 2023, if ever.

Feb 15, 2022
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Lawmakers Propose Plan To Expand Access To Primary Health Care, Including Visits To Therapists

House Bill 4083 would require insurers to offer three free visits a year and assign primary health care providers for those who lack one.

Feb 12, 2022

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Delay For Behavioral Health Money Stirs Concerns

Oregon’s slow roll out of a $1 billion package in behavioral health is raising eyebrows.

Feb 8, 2022
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Last year a state employee inadvertently released the vaccination status of some 40,000 Oregon state employees. Pictured is an Aviva Health temporary COVID-19 testing and vaccination site in Roseburg. | PHOTO COURTESY OF AVIVA HEALTH