The Lund Report

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An employee of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services helps a consumer pick a health care plan on the federal online health insurance marketplace. | DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES

More than 80% keep coverage as Oregon Health Plan eligibility checks near completion

The state will disenroll fewer Oregonians than expected from the state's version of Medicaid, but members are cautioned to watch their mailboxes with 120,000 renewal notices still being sent out

Jun 27, 2024

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The Behavioral Health Resource Center at 333 SW Park Avenue in Portland on Nov. 16, 2022. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

County health and social services contracts need better oversight, auditors say

Multnomah County's contract oversight practices need revamping to ensure people are getting the services they need, according to a report issued by Auditor Jennifer McGuirk. County officials say they're working on it.

Jun 27, 2024
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State Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke said she thinks the state needs to be audacious and bold when it comes to improving care for low-income Oregonians. | SCREENSHOT, OREGON HEALTH FORUM

Oregon behavioral health fissures add costs and block access, panel says

Oregon's notoriously fragmented system spawns administrative tasks and barriers at the expense of patients and providers, according to a panel of experts who spoke Wednesday

Jun 26, 2024
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon, on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon State Hospital sexual harassment lawsuits settled for $1 million

Two suits accused a former state nurse of allegedly attempting to use his position of authority to groom patients for sex, and claimed state hospital management had a reputation for turning a blind eye toward similar situations despite patients' inability to provide consent

Jun 25, 2024
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A room inside the Recovery Works NW's new withdrawal management facility on Southeast Foster Road in Portland, Ore. Most rooms are limited to two beds. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

Behavioral health access, language barriers persist, new report finds

Low-income Oregonians still don’t have enough mental health and substance use treatment providers, and patients who need interpreters too often don’t get them, an independent state advocate reports

Jun 25, 2024

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The Oregon Health Authority's headquarters in Salem in November, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Firing of Oregon Health Authority diversity chief sparks backlash

Not even six months on the job, agency director Sejal Hathi is grappling with questions and dissension after the unexplained firing of the agency’s strongest voice on equity issues, Leann Johnson

Jun 25, 2024

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The Oregon Health Authority headquarters in Salem | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Health Authority equity director fired

Leann Johnson was terminated after more than decade working at the state, including eight years as head of a division charged with overseeing internal workplace complaints

Jun 21, 2024
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Longtime U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, | JONATHAN HOUSE/PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP

Q&A: Nearing retirement from Congress, Blumenauer pushes hospice reform

Longtime Portland Democrat's draft legislation would unbundle hospice benefit to deter payment for no care

Jun 20, 2024
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Nurses and supporters picket outside of Providence Milwaukie Hospital on June 18, 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Providence nurses will remain on picket lines even as strike officially ends

The Oregon Nurses Association accused Providence of illegally locking its members out of their workplaces. Providence said the “union talks one way, acts another.”

Jun 20, 2024
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BRETT HONDOW/PIXABAY

Health care groups enter Oregon gun control case

Professional associations representing doctors, nurses and others are backing an appeal in support of Measure 114, arguing research shows it would improve public safety

Jun 18, 2024