Changes to the state hospital’s operations follow an order by federal officials to fix its transportation protocols so no more patients escape.
HEALTH CARE
Federal officials order Oregon State Hospital to make ‘immediate’ changes following escape
Two weeks after an “extremely dangerous” man facing felony charges escaped from the Oregon State Hospital in a state-owned van, federal health authorities ordered immediate changes to ensure the secure transport of patients, especially those involved in the criminal justice system.
District plans to open youth mental health treatment center
A unique public-private partnership between the Salem-Keizer School District, private donors and a mental health treatment provider means about two dozen kids will be able to get intensive day treatment just north of Salem, while still attending classes.
Judge rules against Marion County over Oregon State Hospital patients, but county fights back
Marion County on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Health Authority in a bid to force the state to treat patients accused of crimes
Spending on health care in Oregon soars 40% in eight years, report says
Rising health insurance premiums are a major reason Oregonians are spending more on health care, a state report said.
Medicaid patients denied treatment, adding to Oregon’s mental health crisis
A state mental health system that often blocks treatment, with contractors trained by YouTube videos assessing patients, is under review after a whistleblower complained
Oregon Right to Life sues state over birth control, abortion insurance mandate
Oregon’s largest anti-abortion advocacy group wants insurance companies to offer it a special plan that doesn’t cover emergency contraception.
Oregon regulators set 2024 rates for health insurance plans
Small employers will pay about 8.1% more for health insurance in Oregon, while individuals will pay about 6.2% more in 2024.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines expected to be available in September, federal officials say
A federal fall vaccination campaign will also include the annual flu short and a newly-approved RSV vaccine.
Salem Health begins weapons screenings at hospital entrances
Hospital leaders said the new measures are part of an overall beefing up of security at Salem Health facilities and clinics over the past year. The July shooting of a security guard at a Portland hospital accelerated some plans.