The Lund Report

A view of the Oregon State Capitol in November 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill would shield Oregonians’ credit scores from medical debt

Supporters say opaque health care billing practices can destroy lives when mixed with credit bureaus, the ‘gatekeeper’ of our economy

Jan 30, 2025
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Marketing material for an AI program that performs some functions of nurses. | SCREENSHOT

As AI advances, Oregon lawmakers seek to specify only humans can be nurses

A narrow bill would be one of the first attempts in Oregon to regulate the rapidly changing technology that some worry could supplant medical professionals

Jan 30, 2025
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Rock formations at Bandon Beach in Southern Oregon. | LISA MCKELLY/PIXABAY

Troubled Bandon-based nonprofit will stay open, preserving care on the Oregon coast

After years of turmoil, Coast Community Health Center was prepared to call it quits two weeks ago. But the federally funded nonprofit now says an infusion of funds and a new operating partner will keep services going to low-income residents.

Jan 28, 2025
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Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles is tentatively being absorbed by California-based Adventist Health. | PHOTO BY LARVICK MEDIA/COURTESY OF MCMC

Unions, care groups want appeals court to preserve Oregon health care merger oversight

As consolidation continues, the program has brought large health care transactions into focus. But a challenge over its constitutionality continues

Jan 28, 2025
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Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 after federal funding portals shut down in the wake of a new White House order.

Kotek, Rayfield blast Trump over shutdown of Medicaid funding

As lawmakers take up an optimistic budget proposed by Kotek, the unexplained abrupt shutdown of federal reimbursements to a variety of safety net programs is sparking a backlash across the country

Jan 28, 2025

An ambulance pulls into the entrance driveway for Oregon Health & Science University's emergency department on Wed., Oct. 27, 2021. | OHSU/CHRISTINE TORRES HICKS

Consumer groups raise concerns about proposed OHSU-Legacy merger

OSPIRG, Oregon Consumer Justice and Health Care for All Oregon say that the deal is likely to raise prices and hurt consumers if approved without stronger protections dictated by state officials. The university says it's addressed the concerns already in its application.

Jan 23, 2025
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A white board in a hallway inside the Oregon State Hospital in November 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Judge overseeing state hospital case demands answers as contempt order looms

The state's failure to provide adequate mental health treatment is having ripple effects around the state and causing civil rights violations. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson wants to know specifically what is being done to fix things.

Jan 23, 2025
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OREGON MEDICAL GROUP IS A MAJOR PROVIDER IN LANE COUNTY,/CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Three health care companies increased costs excessively, Oregon warns

Notices to Oregon Medical Group, Moda Health and UnitedHealthcare amount to “first strike,” one official said. The new program is preparing to leverage its authority in an effort to rein in inflation affecting patients and consumers and other members of the public.

Jan 22, 2025
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St. Charles Health System in Redmond. | COURTESY ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

St. Charles' $6 million, three-year battle over paperwork may be nearing an end

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden is asking federal health officials to fix what he says is a paperwork error that has cost the central Oregon hospital system millions

Jan 21, 2025
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Oregon House legislative leaders speak to the press during a Jan. 16, 2025 media availability about the upcoming legislative session. From left, House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, House Speaker Julie Fahey and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Provider taxes, staffing shortages and mental health will be top priorities for lawmakers in 2025

Looming over the session are a possible contempt order over the Oregon State Hospital as well as Trump administration changes