State Health Policy

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A view of the Oregon State Hospital spire from the courtyard on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

Oregon State Hospital distributes condoms but fails to keep patients safe, feds say

Managers said condoms were distributed to patients for ‘self-care,’ but failed to appropriately protect against sexual assaults and attack, inspectors found

May 2, 2024
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Ralph Magrish, executive director of the Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board, said the pharmaceutical industry is spreading misinformation about proposed price caps at the board's April 17, 2024 meeting. | SCREENSHOT

Drugmakers’ price-cap claims are ‘Chicken Little,’ state official says

The pharmaceutical industry and patient groups are opposing a price cap proposal headed for lawmakers, prompting a prominent state staffer to speak out

Apr 30, 2024

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

Oregon State Hospital hit with new patient safety warning by federal regulators

State hospital staff kept emergency response equipment in different rooms, sparking concern. State officials say they’re fixing it

Apr 29, 2024
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Emily Harris (left) moderates an Oregon Health Forum panel on “Oregon’s health crossroads." The panel included Gov. John Kitzhaber, former Oregon Health Authority leader Bruce Goldberg, new Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi, LifeWorks NW CEO Mary Monnat and state Rep. Rob Nosse. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon health care reforms need renewed focus, panel says

Architects of reforms to the Oregon Health Plan championed their vision, while the state’s new health chief offered her ideas on how to improve care for low-income Oregonians

Apr 25, 2024
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OREGON MEDICAL GROUP IS A MAJOR PROVIDER IN LANE COUNTY,/CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Optum legal tactics endanger Oregonians, lawmakers say

Amid a primary care shortage, a Eugene lawmaker and others want the health care giant to stop enforcing contracts that prevent doctors from providing care in the area after they quit

Apr 25, 2024

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A critical care nurse at OHSU receives a vaccine during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. | COURTESY OHSU

Oregon performs better in health equity, but disparities remain

A new national state scorecard confirms dramatic inequities, finds regional variations

Apr 23, 2024
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Members of Oregon's Universal Health Plan Governance Board meet for the first time in Salem on April 16, 2024. From left, Dr. Helen Bellanca, the board's chair; Dr. Bruce Goldberg, a veteran public health official; Debra Diaz, a physicians associate; Warren George, a retired businessman and the board's vice-chair. | JAKE THOMAS

Ambitious Oregon universal health board launches amid questions

After Gov. Kotek raised questions over its justification, appointed board will try to forge clear, specific answers to how the state could succeed where others have not

Apr 18, 2024
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Nurses union sees snag with hospital staffing law about to take effect

After pushing for the new nurse-to-patient ratios, the union is concerned by the state's proposed rules dictating how they’ll play out in emergency departments

Apr 11, 2024
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The Oregon Health Authority headquarters in Salem on Nov. 8, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

Oregon maternal health employee indicted in Texas

An Oregon Health Authority employee has been accused of exporting marijuana to a Texas crime ring

Apr 9, 2024
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A view of the Oregon State Hospital in Salem on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

'Super-lawyer' backs Marion County in Oregon State Hospital appeal

A different judge has once again denied an effort by Marion County to steer state psychiatric discharge policies in a new direction. Now prominent conservative attorney Jim Bopp is entering the fray.

Apr 9, 2024
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