Mike Francis and Nick Budnick

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DRAZEN ZIGIC SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon nurses union continues to boost membership, clout

The powerful union has gained 620 new members at Providence since January as new contract talks with the health system loom next year. Mixed results from a strike last year — Oregon's largest ever— could spell tensions ahead with the state's largest operator of hospitals.

May 28
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KHUNNINE / SHUTTERSTOCK

Before Asante deaths and drug diversion went public, a year of missed warnings

A newly obtained federal report provides undisclosed details of how employees repeatedly observed — and even recorded on video — troubling behavior by a Medford nurse who cared for dozens of patients who'd been prescribed fentanyl. It took 18 months for hospital leaders to connect the situation to a surge in blood infections.

Mar 24

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Asante Ashland Community Hospital in Ashland, Ore. | ERIK NEUMANN/JPR

Asante faces criticism as it shutters maternity and inpatient services in Ashland

The financially successful nonprofit hospital system hasn’t been answering the community’s questions, says state Rep. Pam Marsh. Public records show hospital leaders considered ‘other options’ late last year before deciding on closure.

Jan 15

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COURTESY OF PACIFICSOURCE

Oregon's PacificSource laying off 300 people, a sixth of its workforce

The Springfield-based insurer cites ‘significant financial pressures’ for the huge cuts, which are hitting every level of management and staff

Oct 24, 2025
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Legacy Emanuel Medical Center on North Graham Street in Portland. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy Health seeks new CEO as Portland-based system battles financial challenges

Independent seven-hospital system has retained a national search firm in what its leadership calls a “defining moment”

Sep 23, 2025
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LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

After dropping OHSU merger plans, Legacy rebounds with a narrow profit

Records and ratings agency evaluations suggested Legacy was doing better than portrayed going into the merger, which became a talking point for critics of consolidation. Still, the health system's reserves keep shrinking.

Aug 21, 2025
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Federal appeals court upholds Oregon’s health care merger review law

A panel of judges dismissed hospitals' arguments that Oregon lawmakers set up a program that is vague and arbitrary. The ruling clears away a question hanging over the program's continued existence, but leaves other questions unanswered.

Jul 8, 2025
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospitals, providers effort to win lawsuit protections passes just under the wire

Critics said it will hurt victims, but a bill to exempt hospitals and others from product liability litigation crossed the finish line on Friday, the last day of the legislative session. The bill appeared dead on Thursday.

Jun 26, 2025
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Oregon Health & Science University at night. | OHSU/CHRISTINE TORRES HICKS

OHSU, Legacy Health scrap contentious proposed merger

The hospital systems cited an ‘evolving operating environment.’ Supporters said Oregon Health & Science University's purchase of Legacy would improve care, while critics said the deal would boost costs for consumers and businesses.

May 5, 2025
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