State Health Policy

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Many counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are indistinguishable from oxycodone. | U.S. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Oregon Education Department seeks funding for fentanyl, opioid prevention

The agency says the money would allow it to better oversee a new law approved in 2023, but prevention experts say the department should rethink its approach

Feb 15, 2024
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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

CareOregon merger proposal scrapped amid opposition, concerns

Proposed merger sparked criticism from former Gov. John Kitzhaber, concerns from state merger oversight office

Feb 13, 2024
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PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield. | CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Eugene lawmaker hopes to cut ambulance delays in wake of hospital closure

Patients are waiting longer to get care in the wake of University District hospital’s closure in Eugene, and Rep. Nancy Nathanson wants to fund an ambulance to change that

Feb 13, 2024
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The Oregon Capitol in Salem, Ore. on March 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers want answers on insurance mandates’ cost, coverage

Oregon lawmakers considered more than 20 requirements on insurance coverage since 2021. A bill would create a panel tasked with answering how future mandates affect health care.

Feb 8, 2024
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A cake that was served at the grand opening of the Recovery Works NW detox in Southeast Portland on Aug. 18, 2023. The withdrawal management facility was funded through Measure 110. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

Lies, damned lies — and Measure 110 statistics?

Both sides of Oregon’s drug decriminalization debate are citing statistics to draw opposite conclusions, sometimes irresponsibly

Feb 8, 2024
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Flanked by former Oregon Health Authority Director Bruce Goldberg and former Gov. John Kitzhaber, Rep. Ben Bowman on Wednesday addressed members of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill to curb private equity in health care draws heavyweight backing

Top health care reformers including former Gov. John Kitzhaber back legislation, but telemedicine provider says it will deter investment

Feb 7, 2024
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Oregon Senate leaders spoke to reporters about their priorities for a 2024 legislative session expected to focus on addressing housing and behavioral health. From left: Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, Senate President Rob Wagner and Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Legislature’s 2024 session looks packed with health care

Lawmakers will take up major health care issues in the five-week session as well as potential Measure 110 changes

Feb 6, 2024
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon has huge shortage of treatment beds, consultant finds

Despite recent investments of more than $1.5 billion into Oregon’s behavioral health system, the state falls far short of what it needs to meet demand for treatment, according to a new report

Feb 1, 2024
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A Kaiser Permanente pharmacy. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers try again on pharmacy benefit manager regulations

The new bill seeks to address concerns from municipal governments that helped sink it last time

Jan 30, 2024
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s health care cost controls hit key phase

Committee tackles rules intended to enforce curbs on steep health care cost hikes

Jan 25, 2024
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