LANE COUNTY, Ore. — In response to a burgeoning healthcare crisis following the closure of University District Hospital, Representative Nancy Nathanson has introduced a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the nursing workforce in Lane County while simultaneously reducing emergency room wait times. This initiative, encapsulated in House Bill 4136, is now actively in progress.
“The closure of the hospital and its emergency department last year sent shockwaves through our community, and we recognized the dire need to address the immediate fallout,” Rep. Nathanson remarked. “Understanding this urgency, we rolled up our sleeves and conducted extensive research to find viable solutions.”
The legislation, which successfully passed in March, established a $3.2 million Innovation Fund that will be allocated among five organizations equipped to launch innovative pilot programs aimed at alleviating the strains on the local healthcare system.
This bill also streamlines the licensing process for out-of-state nurses, allowing them to obtain provisional licenses from the Oregon State Board of Nursing. This provisional status permits these qualified professionals to work in Oregon for up to 90 days while they await processing of their official licenses.
“We are acutely aware of the profound shortage of healthcare professionals, especially nurses. This legislative change allows qualified nurses with active licenses from other states to begin working in Oregon much sooner, rather than being sidelined for weeks during the licensing process,” explained Rep. Nathanson.
During the COVID pandemic, significant backlogs in licensure processing further complicated the ability of local hospitals and health systems to hire necessary nursing staff promptly. Kevin Mealy of the Oregon Nurses Association emphasized that this initiative seeks to resolve those delays effectively.
The pilot programs funded by this initiative are expected to provide crucial support for ambulances and emergency rooms throughout Lane County, addressing the urgent need for accessible medical care.
In a significant move, Eugene Springfield Fire, in collaboration with PeaceHealth, will allocate $1.3 million from the fund to introduce a new ambulance dedicated to responding to less acute medical calls over the next two years. This ambulance will operate with a reduced crew, enabling them to treat patients on-site or transport them for further care.
BestMed Urgent Care, located on Coburg Rd., has been granted $500,000, which will allow the clinic to extend its operating hours from a closure at 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., serving as a critical alternative to the emergency room.
Cascade Medical Associates – Oregon TeleMed has also been awarded $500,000 to extend its service hours, further contributing to the availability of urgent care options in the area.
Meanwhile, Lane County Public Health will utilize a $590,000 boost to enhance its mobile health services, bringing healthcare directly to local shelters and facilitating transportation for patients to their Community Health Center.
In addition, WhiteBird Clinic’s Mobile Crisis Service will receive $396,000 to enable its Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams to provide essential transportation for clients in need of crisis intervention.
Mealy expressed optimism about the direction of these initiatives yet acknowledged that additional efforts are required to stabilize the county’s healthcare landscape. “These investments enable local programs to expand, improve staffing, and acquire new equipment, all pivotal actions to enhance community health in light of the significant gap left by University District’s closure,” Mealy noted. “While we see elected officials collaborating with community organizations to bridge these gaps, a long-term solution must include the establishment of a full-service hospital.”
Rep. Nathanson outlined that this is merely the initial phase of a broader plan to reshape healthcare delivery in the community, aiming to drastically reduce the lengthy waits currently experienced in emergency rooms by proactively bringing care to residents’ doorsteps.
She revealed plans for Optum to inaugurate a new urgent care center in January, with expectations that other similar facilities will soon follow. Furthermore, Rep. Nathanson and Senator Floyd Prozanski are currently working to develop a fresh set of proposals for the upcoming legislative session that will seek to standardize urgent care services throughout the region, fostering a more cohesive experience for patients.
How will the establishment of the $3.2 million Innovation Fund specifically improve healthcare access in Lane County?
**Interview with Oregon State Representative Nancy Nathanson on House Bill 4136**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Representative Nathanson. To start, can you tell us a bit about the background that led to the introduction of House Bill 4136?
**Rep. Nathanson:** Of course. The closure of University District Hospital last year had a profound impact on our community’s healthcare landscape. It was evident that we needed to respond swiftly to prevent a full-blown healthcare crisis. After conducting research and consulting with healthcare professionals in the area, we realized that strengthening our nursing workforce and improving access to care were urgent priorities.
**Editor:** The bill recently passed and established a $3.2 million Innovation Fund. How do you envision these funds will be utilized?
**Rep. Nathanson:** The funds will be allocated to five different organizations that will implement pilot programs aimed at easing the burden on our healthcare system. This includes improved ambulance services and extended hours for urgent care facilities. For instance, Eugene Springfield Fire will use part of the fund to add a new ambulance for less acute medical calls, which we believe will enhance access to care for residents.
**Editor:** You mentioned streamlining the licensing process for out-of-state nurses. Can you explain how this will help alleviate the nursing shortage?
**Rep. Nathanson:** Certainly. We recognized that during the pandemic, delays in licensure processing created significant barriers to hiring qualified nurses. By allowing out-of-state nurses to obtain provisional licenses valid for 90 days, we can have them working in our healthcare facilities much sooner. This change not only expedites the onboarding process but also helps meet the immediate staffing needs at our hospitals and clinics.
**Editor:** How do you think these initiatives will impact emergency room wait times in Lane County?
**Rep. Nathanson:** Our goal is to significantly reduce wait times by enhancing the overall capacity of the healthcare system. By introducing new ambulance services and extending hours for urgent care, patients will have more options available. This should alleviate some pressure from emergency rooms, allowing them to focus on true emergencies and reducing wait times for those in critical need.
**Editor:** how do you see this initiative evolving in the coming months and years?
**Rep. Nathanson:** We are optimistic that the pilot programs will yield valuable insights and data, helping us refine our approach as we seek to strengthen healthcare in Lane County. We will closely monitor the outcomes and adjust our strategies as necessary. The health of our community is paramount, and this initiative is a vital step in ensuring our residents have access to the care they need when they need it.
**Editor:** Thank you, Representative Nathanson, for sharing these insights. Your commitment to enhancing healthcare in Lane County is evident.
**Rep. Nathanson:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see the positive changes these efforts can bring to our community’s health and well-being.