This tax expires in 2001 unless the legislature renews it. Rising pharmaceutical costs are considered by many to be the primary cause of the increasing cost to provide healthcare in this state. If so, we will support that change. If not, we will work with other stakeholders to develop ways to improve delivery of mental health services under the Oregon Health Plan. We will examine this question and pursue legislation as needed.
Hospitals face a continuing shortage of workers, particularly in the clinical professions.
The causes of this shortage include low unemployment, declining enrollment in nursing programs and an aging nurse workforce that is retiring faster than new nurses are being trained. We also support proposals that promote flexibility in the duties of healthcare staff so that healthcare providers may make the best use of existing personnel. As healthcare economics continue to change and present new challenges, it is increasingly important for healthcare professionals to be allowed to perform diverse clinical duties. Mandated staffing systems or ratios limit the ability of a hospital to respond to fluid census and acuity needs, qualifications and experience of healthcare staff and ever changing healthcare economics. For example, a health professional who must merely register with a regulatory board should not be subject to the extensive regulatory oversight and requirements associated with the licensing process.