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benditis's comments:
on September Ideas
Idea #1: Lack of quality medical care=gross mistakes=patient injury/death=LAW SUITS
Please investigate youselves and use power of OPB to chip away at the old______! I even visited Salem (which is more than the state employees will do) 2 times to lobby legislators and to meet with DHS. The result? The 20 min. online 'course'
finally passed.
Idea #2 and your Bend visit:
The cultural divide perpetuated in last legis. session is disgusting and further keeps OR stuck. This has led to the native/longtime central state citizens to create their own laws...one doctor told me that 'they don't have to do something just 'cuz Portland says to'....the corruption I've observed here is astounding:
1) with 28 golf courses already here sucking up ground water, the city keeps raising water fees for homeowners
2) I'd like the Feds to do an audit of city/county $$$...these gov'ts received at least 18-20% extra income, in addition to taxes we already pay, and it's GONE...
3) While the state gov't is hampered by crony-ism,nepotism,
(Please, Healy as a 'consumer health care advocate'--hah),
the local gov't is worse: several housing subdivisions built and the city/county didn't know about'em until people moved in and tried to have utilities connected.
OR the people sent on a 'bus buying trip', not thinking to ask even other OR cities who might have done so for advice, and wasting more tax $$ on lemons.
No one disciplined 'cuz supervisor 'didn't want to hurt feelings' (all of these reported in media, but never followed up)
****And the worst outrage of all: all of Central OR Hospitals, outpt surgery centers, labs, and most clinics are controlled by: A for-profit corporation composed of the local doctors and a group of private investors(legacy logging co.,land owners, big developers) who ANSWER TO NO ONE, and break laws and endanger patients with no consequences. As the largest employer in the region (and the only one for employees), they are protected.
Up until 2000 a source has told me, nursing staff had instructions to re-use medical equipment intended for single use only--'cuz plastic can't be sterilized! When she tried chain of command reports she was told to shut up or never work in area again. Finally one day she was told to re-use contaminated equip. (from an HIV+/Hep C pt.) in a 2 yr old child...she walked out.
2 yrs ago workers at the local landfill found hazardous waste garbage(red bag--law requires incineration) in the landfill...no followup so don't know if these illegal things still happening.
****I retired after over 30 yrs as a dental health professional/then a certified medical educator. Medicine has been my passion since I was 6 yrs old/I was married for long time to a Fed'l GAO investigator, then to a doctor....
I've worked in Calif with local,county,state and federal reps to make policy, create programs, and craft legislation.......
I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT and that makes being stuck here, in Bend ('cuz houses aren't selling), even worse!
Please check my comments posted on 9/29 in regard to topic
of medical malpractice and the Bad consumer protection for patients in OR as well as the lack of REQUIRED CME for doctors, pa's and nurses. When I moved to Bend in 2001 I was shocked by the medical incompetence and ignorance I found when I tried to find a new MD.
My research led me to the Oregon Practice Acts and the reason for the majority of ignorant MDs. The OHSU medical/dental schools are also a cause as they are, in some areas, 30 yrs behind the times!
My letters and phone calls to the Medical Board, OR Med Assoc, Governor's office, and to my state 'representatives' went unanswered. My persistence finally got me phone calls from the Med.Bd.Exec Dir and the doc in 'charge' of board...after ONE years. Both of these are political appointees, including the doc, Parshley ,an OLD friend from OHSU of the previous governor/doctor. The Dir. told me "...if I didn't like the way they did things in OR I should go back to where I came from..."
Now that's why Central Or and OR in general are stuck in 19th-20th century and, given these attitudes, where even the Chief Just of State Sup Ct and Portland city club pres think of the 1970's oregon as the pinnicale of achievment?
Oh, and by the way, I called your radio station after my failure to turn on a light or brain in the 'state powers that be" and met with the same attitude and the question, "How do you know that doctors don't have to keep educated?" I explained how anyone could do the same thing I did...check your OWN STATE LAW and how thing really operate for pete's sake!!!!
Please investigate youselves and use power of OPB to chip away at the old______! I even visited Salem (which is more than the state employees will do) 2 times to lobby legislators and to meet with DHS. The result? The 20 min. online 'course'
finally passed.
Idea #2 and your Bend visit:
The cultural divide perpetuated in last legis. session is disgusting and further keeps OR stuck. This has led to the native/longtime central state citizens to create their own laws...one doctor told me that 'they don't have to do something just 'cuz Portland says to'....the corruption I've observed here is astounding:
1) with 28 golf courses already here sucking up ground water, the city keeps raising water fees for homeowners
2) I'd like the Feds to do an audit of city/county $$$...these gov'ts received at least 18-20% extra income, in addition to taxes we already pay, and it's GONE...
3) While the state gov't is hampered by crony-ism,nepotism,
(Please, Healy as a 'consumer health care advocate'--hah),
the local gov't is worse: several housing subdivisions built and the city/county didn't know about'em until people moved in and tried to have utilities connected.
OR the people sent on a 'bus buying trip', not thinking to ask even other OR cities who might have done so for advice, and wasting more tax $$ on lemons.
No one disciplined 'cuz supervisor 'didn't want to hurt feelings' (all of these reported in media, but never followed up)
****And the worst outrage of all: all of Central OR Hospitals, outpt surgery centers, labs, and most clinics are controlled by: A for-profit corporation composed of the local doctors and a group of private investors(legacy logging co.,land owners, big developers) who ANSWER TO NO ONE, and break laws and endanger patients with no consequences. As the largest employer in the region (and the only one for employees), they are protected.
Up until 2000 a source has told me, nursing staff had instructions to re-use medical equipment intended for single use only--'cuz plastic can't be sterilized! When she tried chain of command reports she was told to shut up or never work in area again. Finally one day she was told to re-use contaminated equip. (from an HIV+/Hep C pt.) in a 2 yr old child...she walked out.
2 yrs ago workers at the local landfill found hazardous waste garbage(red bag--law requires incineration) in the landfill...no followup so don't know if these illegal things still happening.
****I retired after over 30 yrs as a dental health professional/then a certified medical educator. Medicine has been my passion since I was 6 yrs old/I was married for long time to a Fed'l GAO investigator, then to a doctor....
I've worked in Calif with local,county,state and federal reps to make policy, create programs, and craft legislation.......
I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT and that makes being stuck here, in Bend ('cuz houses aren't selling), even worse!
Please check my comments posted on 9/29 in regard to topic
of medical malpractice and the Bad consumer protection for patients in OR as well as the lack of REQUIRED CME for doctors, pa's and nurses. When I moved to Bend in 2001 I was shocked by the medical incompetence and ignorance I found when I tried to find a new MD.
My research led me to the Oregon Practice Acts and the reason for the majority of ignorant MDs. The OHSU medical/dental schools are also a cause as they are, in some areas, 30 yrs behind the times!
My letters and phone calls to the Medical Board, OR Med Assoc, Governor's office, and to my state 'representatives' went unanswered. My persistence finally got me phone calls from the Med.Bd.Exec Dir and the doc in 'charge' of board...after ONE years. Both of these are political appointees, including the doc, Parshley ,an OLD friend from OHSU of the previous governor/doctor. The Dir. told me "...if I didn't like the way they did things in OR I should go back to where I came from..."
Now that's why Central Or and OR in general are stuck in 19th-20th century and, given these attitudes, where even the Chief Just of State Sup Ct and Portland city club pres think of the 1970's oregon as the pinnicale of achievment?
Oh, and by the way, I called your radio station after my failure to turn on a light or brain in the 'state powers that be" and met with the same attitude and the question, "How do you know that doctors don't have to keep educated?" I explained how anyone could do the same thing I did...check your OWN STATE LAW and how thing really operate for pete's sake!!!!
posted 4 years, 8 months ago
view in context
on Mind the Cap
Mr. Blair's is a very narrow focus. The larger issue that OREGON needs to REMEDIATE asap(!) is a complete overhaul of the medical/dental monitoring system at the top:Gov.,( his advisors) who recommend names for Board of Medical Exam., the RN Board, Dentistry... ALL of the Boards. These Boards are supposed to be the consumer protection experts for patients who receive care in this state. They are the ones who are supposed to protect OR's patients from the providers who are incompetent, corrupt, and harm patients daily.
In my personal experience, these Boards in the state of OR are serving as protectors/defenders of the practitioners who continue to do harm with impunity...it's the fox guarding the hen house story.
In addition to the Boards who are failing their duty to protect patients, the State of Oregon needs to put their Practice Acts in Order, bring Oregon medical providers up to date (ignorance is not bliss nor is it an excuse since internet access is available). What is lacking, especially for all of the medical providers, is a REQUIRED, AUDITED, MANDATORY , consistent- across- specialties, continuing medical education.
Please go to the OR gov't web site and review the following sections of OR laws governing Med/Dental Professions. As I read requirements for each specialty, I found a MESS. There's no consistency; the ONLY medical providers that are required to have continuing professional education to keep up with changes that are rapidly occuring are PODIATRISTS (ORS 677.837)
ORS409.500=general area Chapter 677=Regs for Medicine,Podiatry,Accupuncture
For Dentists=818.021.0060(40 hours CME every 2 yrs)
For Dental Hygienists=818.021.0070 (24 hours CME every 2 yrs)
For RNs=851.031.0060 ZERO CMEs (except for 20 min.)
*Podiatrists (Doctors of Podiatric Med.) are able, with at least 3 years of surgical residency after their 4yrs medical school, to perform foot and ankle surgery. If Board Certified, patients have a better chance of having a quality doctor--the spec.boards DO require mandated/tested CME
UNDER OREGON'S LAW, THESE MEDICAL SPEC. ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE 50 HOURS OF EDUCATION EVERY 2 YEARS, WHEN THEIR LIC. IS RENEWED.
*Medical doctors (MD/DO)ORS.409.500 ZERO CME is required (oh, after much begging by the Dept of Health, these arrogant people deigned to 20 minutes + 9 hours...OVER A LIFETIME OF PRACTICE! Their position supported by Bd.of Med.Examiners and OR Med Assoc.)
*Pharmacists=20 hours (? period of time)
In my personal experience, these Boards in the state of OR are serving as protectors/defenders of the practitioners who continue to do harm with impunity...it's the fox guarding the hen house story.
In addition to the Boards who are failing their duty to protect patients, the State of Oregon needs to put their Practice Acts in Order, bring Oregon medical providers up to date (ignorance is not bliss nor is it an excuse since internet access is available). What is lacking, especially for all of the medical providers, is a REQUIRED, AUDITED, MANDATORY , consistent- across- specialties, continuing medical education.
Please go to the OR gov't web site and review the following sections of OR laws governing Med/Dental Professions. As I read requirements for each specialty, I found a MESS. There's no consistency; the ONLY medical providers that are required to have continuing professional education to keep up with changes that are rapidly occuring are PODIATRISTS (ORS 677.837)
ORS409.500=general area Chapter 677=Regs for Medicine,Podiatry,Accupuncture
For Dentists=818.021.0060(40 hours CME every 2 yrs)
For Dental Hygienists=818.021.0070 (24 hours CME every 2 yrs)
For RNs=851.031.0060 ZERO CMEs (except for 20 min.)
*Podiatrists (Doctors of Podiatric Med.) are able, with at least 3 years of surgical residency after their 4yrs medical school, to perform foot and ankle surgery. If Board Certified, patients have a better chance of having a quality doctor--the spec.boards DO require mandated/tested CME
UNDER OREGON'S LAW, THESE MEDICAL SPEC. ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE 50 HOURS OF EDUCATION EVERY 2 YEARS, WHEN THEIR LIC. IS RENEWED.
*Medical doctors (MD/DO)ORS.409.500 ZERO CME is required (oh, after much begging by the Dept of Health, these arrogant people deigned to 20 minutes + 9 hours...OVER A LIFETIME OF PRACTICE! Their position supported by Bd.of Med.Examiners and OR Med Assoc.)
*Pharmacists=20 hours (? period of time)
posted 4 years, 8 months ago
view in context
on Mind Your Manners
To Oregonin:
It baffles the heck out of me...1) why do cell-phone-in public users think that their conversations are SO fascinating to others that they, often loudly (males in particular) jabber on,on,on.
In May, while taking Amtrak to Seattle, a middle aged couple felt the need to LOUDLY repeat to their cat sitter, the excruciating details of their cats' bowel problems---each repeating virtually the same info.
Thank heavens for Amtrak conductors who REMINDED rude "conversationalists" to take the talk to the vestibule!!!
2) I think our societys' misbehavior/rudeness stems from our high tech/low touch lifestyles and people no longer know how to politely interact with other humans. Many times I've seen shoppers enter our local grocery store talking on the phone, done their shopping, and gone through check out, and exited the store...still on the phone and having never acknowledged other humans around them!!!
It baffles the heck out of me...1) why do cell-phone-in public users think that their conversations are SO fascinating to others that they, often loudly (males in particular) jabber on,on,on.
In May, while taking Amtrak to Seattle, a middle aged couple felt the need to LOUDLY repeat to their cat sitter, the excruciating details of their cats' bowel problems---each repeating virtually the same info.
Thank heavens for Amtrak conductors who REMINDED rude "conversationalists" to take the talk to the vestibule!!!
2) I think our societys' misbehavior/rudeness stems from our high tech/low touch lifestyles and people no longer know how to politely interact with other humans. Many times I've seen shoppers enter our local grocery store talking on the phone, done their shopping, and gone through check out, and exited the store...still on the phone and having never acknowledged other humans around them!!!
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on Mind Your Manners
Charlita:
Your smoking and littering have a deleterious affect on the health of the community. Prior to West coast smoking regulations (banned smoking inside any public place;some include outside areas as well, like beaches and ballparks) my family had to leave restaurants mid-meal as our asthmatic son couldn't breathe due to smoke. Why should other people have to be breathing the residue of your CHOICE to undertake risky behavior. Why should all of us bear the costs to health care caused by the diseases you voluntarily take on?
Litter attracts disease carrying vermin, those critters carry fleas,ticks,rabies that put the public at risk.
For me, the health of the public at large trumps selfish behavior of individuals.
PS Have you ever tried to walk the city streets in New York or Philadelphia? Move there if you think disease prevention is self rightious!!!
Your smoking and littering have a deleterious affect on the health of the community. Prior to West coast smoking regulations (banned smoking inside any public place;some include outside areas as well, like beaches and ballparks) my family had to leave restaurants mid-meal as our asthmatic son couldn't breathe due to smoke. Why should other people have to be breathing the residue of your CHOICE to undertake risky behavior. Why should all of us bear the costs to health care caused by the diseases you voluntarily take on?
Litter attracts disease carrying vermin, those critters carry fleas,ticks,rabies that put the public at risk.
For me, the health of the public at large trumps selfish behavior of individuals.
PS Have you ever tried to walk the city streets in New York or Philadelphia? Move there if you think disease prevention is self rightious!!!
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on No Doctor In the House
This year I was watching the "Oregon Channel" as the legislative health committee conducted business. The sound quality was so poor I couldn't hear the exact nature of the meeting...until 1 male representative (who had better voice projection, asked the male health co. leader "...shouldn't we
(involve/inform?)the Eastern part of the State?(regarding whatever they'd been discussing and deciding).
This "leader", with a dismissive downward /out hand gesture said "nah" in a derisive tone.
When and how will these people (incl. public employees) get the message that they are there to serve a whole state...not just the Salem/Portland corridor.
They've created an US vs THEM environment: people here in Central OR don't think State laws apply to them/us and the metro area prefers not to think about any subject but their own little island.
As the Portland City Club President introduced the OR Chief Justice last year, the 'good ol' boys socialization and the stagnation in this state was blatant. The days of Gov. Tom and Oregon's "innovations in the early 1970's" were the accomplishments they boasted about.
When the gov't/metro Oregon area is stuck in 20th Century (anamolous) achievments, I can see why rural/east of Cascades culture is 19th Century.
Gee, I wonder why the 'new economy companies' aren't flocking here to employ uneducated, unprepared Oregonians!!!!
(involve/inform?)the Eastern part of the State?(regarding whatever they'd been discussing and deciding).
This "leader", with a dismissive downward /out hand gesture said "nah" in a derisive tone.
When and how will these people (incl. public employees) get the message that they are there to serve a whole state...not just the Salem/Portland corridor.
They've created an US vs THEM environment: people here in Central OR don't think State laws apply to them/us and the metro area prefers not to think about any subject but their own little island.
As the Portland City Club President introduced the OR Chief Justice last year, the 'good ol' boys socialization and the stagnation in this state was blatant. The days of Gov. Tom and Oregon's "innovations in the early 1970's" were the accomplishments they boasted about.
When the gov't/metro Oregon area is stuck in 20th Century (anamolous) achievments, I can see why rural/east of Cascades culture is 19th Century.
Gee, I wonder why the 'new economy companies' aren't flocking here to employ uneducated, unprepared Oregonians!!!!
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on Rural Office Politics
There should be an AUDIT conducted on the graft,corruption,nepotism and just plain stupidity that exists even in a growing city like Bend.
Recently: housing developments were completed without the city even knowing they existed; even though the city/co. have had 18-20% growth in their income as a result of growth they have added excise taxes to every service we receive (where has all that $$ gone?); Bend city staff decided to buy buses, but failed to even contact anyone outside the city who had experience. Bend ended up with 'lemons' and the person who supervised project wasn't disciplined because "...feelings might be hurt...". Last, sure not least, the Manager failed to notify city staff of the 'earmark' deadline set by Rep Sen Gordon Smith...zero Fed. help!
The State needs to dispatch auditors over those mtn. passes (we do have autos now, I hear!)
Recently: housing developments were completed without the city even knowing they existed; even though the city/co. have had 18-20% growth in their income as a result of growth they have added excise taxes to every service we receive (where has all that $$ gone?); Bend city staff decided to buy buses, but failed to even contact anyone outside the city who had experience. Bend ended up with 'lemons' and the person who supervised project wasn't disciplined because "...feelings might be hurt...". Last, sure not least, the Manager failed to notify city staff of the 'earmark' deadline set by Rep Sen Gordon Smith...zero Fed. help!
The State needs to dispatch auditors over those mtn. passes (we do have autos now, I hear!)
posted 5 years, 2 months ago
view in context
on Rural Office Politics
I don't think anyone even knew about this 'office'; if Salem politicos knew, the physical gesture of disdain made by (an older portly man), a member of the Legis. Health Co., at the last (televised!) session, said it all--unless a citizen is part of the Salem-Portland region, we don't count!
posted 5 years, 2 months ago
view in context
