State Health Policy

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Dr. Win Kyin worked in primary care in Myanmar before fleeing the country, but she ran into roadblocks when she tried to get licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. Kyin pictured here on March 3 at the IRCO Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill seeks to clear path for health workers trained abroad

Supporters say people with health care expertise from abroad could ease Oregon's staffing shortages

Mar 9, 2023
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James Schroeder sat for an interview with The Lund Report at his office in downtown Portland on Jan. 11, 2023. | NICK BUDNICK/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Health Authority Director James Schroeder’s resignation sparks questions

Dave Baden will step in as interim director after Schroeder cited family in his surprise announcement

Mar 3, 2023
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Oregon Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill allowing Oregon Health Authority to access patient immigration data advances

The agency’s legislation to improve data showing health inequities will be pared down in the face of opposition

Mar 2, 2023
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James Schroeder. | COURTESY OF HEALTH SHARE OF OREGON

James Schroeder’s team at Oregon Health Authority takes shape

New director vows continued “transformative” change with new faces in top roles

Feb 28, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Bill seeks personal data collection on people who use legal psilocybin in Oregon

Proponents say the data is protected and will benefit the program. Critics say it will deter patients.

Feb 28, 2023
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Kevin Heinrich, a licensed practical nurse, at a workstation at Mirabella Portland’s skilled nursing facility on Feb. 13, 2023. Nurses and other health care workers have become increasingly hard to find after the pandemic. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Long-term care providers say temp staff costs unsustainable, want help

Temporary staffing agencies helped with shortages during the pandemic, but providers and others say the high cost destabilizes health care

Feb 23, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Despite massive investment portfolios, Oregon hospitals say they need the Legislature’s help

High-stakes legislation to address low staffing and spiraling labor costs have put hospital finances in the spotlight

Feb 23, 2023
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Nurses at Legacy Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Republicans want to ease entry of out-of-state nurses

Legislation billed as easing staffing shortages by adding Oregon to the interstate Nurse Licensure Compact faces headwinds.

Feb 20, 2023
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FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

State prepares to take 300,000 people off Oregon Health Plan as pandemic measures end

Officials expect difficulty in reaching members of the Medicaid-funded program after a three-year pause in eligibility checks. 

Feb 16, 2023
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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

Review launched of CareOregon-SCAN merger

Executives say they welcome the extended process, a first for the state, after some raised questions.

Feb 14, 2023
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