Nick Budnick

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People without insurance often use emergency rooms for health care which drives up costs. | LYNNE TERRY/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

State Blasts Legacy Health's Challenge to Meal Break Rules

At stake is potentially more than $100 million in fines for Legacy, a Portland-based health system of six hospitals around the state, based on violations found by the state Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Jul 26, 2022
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Oregon Device Manufacturer Biotronik Pays $12.95 Million To Settle Whistleblower Case

Two sales reps for the Lake Oswego—based company accused it of using Hawaii trips, sports tickets, wine-tastings and bogus payments to induce surgeons to use its defibrillators and pacemakers; the firm denied wrongdoing.

Jul 23, 2022
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PeaceHealth faces a whistleblower complaint filed by a nursing assistant who complained about low staffing levels at Cottage Grove Medical Center, stayed home and was fired./Photo courtesy of PeaceHealth

Faced With Low Staffing, A Hospital Nursing Assistant Stayed Home — And Eventually Was Fired

A certified nursing assistant stayed home when staffing levels seemed too low and complained to the state; PeaceHealth later fired him.

Jul 21, 2022
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Patrick Allen. | COPYRIGHTED IMAGE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Oregon Health Authority Responds to Conservative Media Barrage

Misleading commentaries triggered a backlash of ‘hate’ by taking out of context a line from an email calling urgency ‘a white supremacy value.’

Jul 19, 2022
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Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in southwest Portland. | M.O. STEVENS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Nurses At Providence St. Vincent Approve Deal, Averting Strike

Nurses at the major Washington County hospital approved a new contract, meaning 1,600 nurses employed there won't strike.

Jul 15, 2022

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OHSU Hospital on Marquam Hill. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Judge Fines OHSU Over Public Records Delay

Oregon Health & Science University improperly delayed the release of public records and unlawfully retained documents concerning the constitutionally protected activities of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a judge ruled.

Jul 7, 2022

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Courtesy photo.

Q&A: Ken Provencher Retiring from PacificSource Health Plans

The CEO and president of PacificSource Health Plans is stepping down in March, the regional Springfield-based insurer recently announced.

Jul 5, 2022
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Protesters gather at the U.S. Supreme Court on May 3, 2022, after a report that the court will overturn Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion. | SHUTTERSTOCK

In Abortion Access Fight, Oregon’s Merger Law Is A Tool Unlike Any Other

Washington lawmakers want to emulate Oregon’s new health care merger law to preserve abortion access in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling.

Jun 28, 2022
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State Dental Director Kaz Rafia Resigns

Well-regarded reformer is leaving for a job out of state after a year overseeing dental care quality and access for the Oregon Health Plan.

Jun 14, 2022
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Dr. Jennifer Vines, health officer of Multnomah County, shown discussing an uptick in HIV infections earlier in the pandemic. | MOTOYA NAKAMURA/MULTNOMAH COUNTY

It's Time To Mask Up Again Indoors, Multnomah Officials Say

With COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise, Multnomah County health officials urge people to wear masks indoors, protect those at risk of severe illness.

May 12, 2022