State Health Policy

Image

A reporter receives the five-needle protocol, an acupuncture method that has seen renewed interest for purportedly reducing cravings and helping people in recovery. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers look to acupuncture to ease addiction crisis

Research into the “five-needle protocol” is inconclusive, but backers say it provides a low-cost way to help people struggling with addiction, especially in marginalized communities.

Feb 18
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

‘Noncompetes’ on chopping block as providers are kept from caring for Oregonians

Oregon lawmakers are considering two bills aimed at employer agreements that keep medical professionals from working elsewhere

Feb 13
Premium

Image

A view of the Oregon State Capitol in February 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Health care for 1 in 3 Oregonians in question as GOP mulls cuts in D.C.

Care for 1.4 million Oregonians could face cuts or changes such as work requirements even as state lawmakers push to renew a key source of. health care funding that's eyed for cuts — the state’s provider tax.

Feb 13
Premium

Image

A view of OHSU's South Waterfront campus from its main campus on Marquam Hill. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

With lawsuits tying up Trump’s gender care order, Oregon hospitals still provide services — so far

As politics and legal battles swirl, hospital systems and other providers face conflicting legal and funding threats from state, federal officials

Feb 11
Premium

Image

Parents of disabled children packed a legislative hearing on Feb. 4, 2025 in support of a bill that would allow more to be paid for caring for their kids. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Parents of high-needs children push Oregon to streamline payments for providing care

Oregon pays parents to care for adult children with major medical or behavioral issues, but does not when the children are minors. DHS officials say following the lead of other states could be expensive.

Feb 6
Premium

Image

PIXABAY

Consultant vows to ‘zero in’ on Oregon prison care denials in wake of blistering report

A consultant hired by Oregon prison officials to look into a scathing outside review said his firm will operate with transparency and objectivity. An attorney specializing in representing people denied care said a pattern of outrageous decisions in recent years calls for a more in-depth review.

Feb 4
Premium

Image

Shutterstock

Oregon faces backlash over push to block Medicaid payments to unaffiliated, uncertified behavioral health providers

Providers and groups say a new rule will worsen inequities and the state’s behavioral health crisis

Feb 4
Premium

Image

A view of the Oregon State Capitol in November 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill would shield Oregonians’ credit scores from medical debt

Supporters say opaque health care billing practices can destroy lives when mixed with credit bureaus, the ‘gatekeeper’ of our economy

Jan 30
Premium

Image

Marketing material for an AI program that performs some functions of nurses. | SCREENSHOT

As AI advances, Oregon lawmakers seek to specify only humans can be nurses

A narrow bill would be one of the first attempts in Oregon to regulate the rapidly changing technology that some worry could supplant medical professionals

Jan 30
Premium

Image

Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles is tentatively being absorbed by California-based Adventist Health. | PHOTO BY LARVICK MEDIA/COURTESY OF MCMC

Unions, care groups want appeals court to preserve Oregon health care merger oversight

As consolidation continues, the program has brought large health care transactions into focus. But a challenge over its constitutionality continues

Jan 28
Premium