Next Legislative Session Fast Approaching
You can count on The Lund Report to keep you informed of what’s going on in the state’s Capitol
The next Oregon legislative session is just two months away and the issues are already heating up.
oregon legislature
Pendleton Lawmakers Try To Keep Blue Mountain Hospital Open
Rep. Bob Jenson of Pendleton told The Lund Report he’s hoping to find a way to delay the closure of Eastern Oregon’s state mental hospital before its doctors and nurses leave for work elsewhere. Rep. Jennifer Williamson of Portland suggested converting it into a much-needed prison hospital for aging inmates.
Sept. 18, 2013 — The Oregon Health Authority has laid out the timetable to legislators for the closure of the Blue Mountain Recovery Center, even as Pendleton lawmakers strive to keep Eastern Oregon’s mental hospital open.
Autism Treatment for Oregon Health Plan Faces Hurdles, But Approval for Some Kids Likely
Applied behavior analysis has been rejected for coverage by a state evidence-based medicine panel once before, but the Legislature has passed a law requiring private insurance companies to cover the therapy, forcing the state to reconsider its decision.
September 16, 2013 -- Autism advocates presented their case for applied behavior analysis last week to an Oregon evidence-based medicine review panel, whose recommendation can make or break the ability of autistic Oregonians to receive the therapy under the Oregon Health Plan.
Unions and Statewide Healthcare Groups Spend a Combined $3 Million on Legislative Campaigns
While public sector unions spent heavily on competitive elections, other organizations like the Oregon Health Care Association targeted its money toward influencing legislation.
September 12, 2013 -- A review of the major Oregon healthcare organizations and unions shows these players made healthy contributions to political campaigns, influencing elections and legislation over the past three years.
Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Genentech Pour Money into State Elections
Pharmaceutical companies spent $491,000 to influence elections and legislation in the Oregon capitol, as the Legislature tailored certain bills to fit their interests.
September 4, 2013 -- Nineteen drug companies have spent a combined half a million dollars since 2011 trying to influence elections and legislation, led by Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Genentech.
Pfizer, known for Viagra, Zoloft and Xanax, is the world’s largest drug company by revenue, and Eli Lilly is the world’s largest manufacturer of psychiatric medications, such as Prozac.
Bill to give Oregon Workers Time to Grieve passes the House HB 2950A Would Give Workers Up to Two Weeks Off to Grieve Family Death
April 15, 2013 – The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill today that would give workers up to two weeks off to grieve the death of a family member.
Legislation That Holds Insurance Companies Accountable for Fraud Passes the House
HB 3160A removes insurance industry exemption from Oregon’s Unfair Trade Practices Act
Senate passes new process to resolve health care disputes
SB 483 allows for discussion and mediation between patients and providers
Screening Standards Bill for Infant Heart Defects Passes Senate
Early Detection Critical to Ensuring Children’s Health
Public Health Division Takes a Serious Look at Budget Reductions
It’s too early to say how much revenue has been generated following the increased fees for medical marijuana cards, Dr. Mel Kohn told the Public Health Advisory Board
December 7, 2011 – With budget reductions looming as the February legislative session draws closer, Dr. Mel Kohn, director of the state’s Public Health Division, is being forced to take a hard look at making cuts.
“There aren't a lot of places to go,” Kohn told the Public Health Advisory Board last Friday. “We're in a very difficult place, and it's going to be a very difficult session in February.”
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