The Lund Report

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Meth Has Changed, And It’s Sabotaging Oregon’s Mental Health System

In the state with the highest rate of meth use in the nation, the drug is driving severe mental illness among criminal defendants at the state psychiatric hospital, and patients elsewhere are paying the price.

Aug 2, 2022

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The west plaza at Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | COURTESY OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Amid Oregon State Hospital Problems, Health Systems Go To Court

Hospitals and the Unity Center for Behavioral Health want judges to force the state psychiatric hospital to treat civilly committed patients.

Aug 2, 2022
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Salem Health Salem Hospital. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Salem Health Diverts Ambulances Tuesday, Officials Still Seek Alternatives

Salem Hospital has been exceeding its capacity for more than a year, a spokesperson said.

Jul 28, 2022
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JEREMY VANDEHEY IS LEAVING THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY TO HEAD OREGON OPERATIONS FOR THE INSURER PACIFICSOURCE HEALTH PLANS./COURTESY PHOTO

Vandehey Leaving Oregon Health Authority

Vandehey served as the policy point person for the Oregon Health Authority after serving as an advisor to Gov. Kate Brown.

Jul 27, 2022
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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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Salem Health Salem Hospital. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Salem Health Mulls Diverting Ambulances

After announcing its flagship hospital was adopting a plan to begin diverting ambulances to ease capacity issues, Salem Health abruptly cancelled a press conference to talk about it.

Jul 21, 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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New Oregon Merger Review Program OK’s First Deal

Officials approved a private equity firm’s acquisition of hospice facilities in Salem and Lake Oswego, but critics have concerns.

Jul 19, 2022
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