Welcome to Unrepresented Employees

Week Thirteen Takeaways

March 15, 2025

Last week, the Oregon Health Authority facilitated a public hearing for the proposed transaction where OHSU and Legacy Health leaders provided answers under oath to a set of questions posed by the community review board (CRB). Following the hearing, the board voted to not convene a second public hearing. Instead, the entities must respond in written form to another set of questions and their responses will be posted to the OHSU-Legacy transaction website. The next community review board meeting is on Wednesday March 19 from 2-4pm and open to the public.

Here are some of our observations from the hearing, as well as thoughts/questions we’ve heard from many of you. 

  • OHSU continues to say “the status quo is not working,” but they don’t speak to what they will do to change that. For those of us who are doing the work of our organizations everyday, it seems to undermine what we do to care for those we serve. If we are “status quo,” then why aren’t the OHSU leaders working today to resolve this and provide us with inspiring and innovative ways to correct that? Why do we have to wait for this transaction to be complete? 

  • OHA asked OHSU to describe the transaction’s impact on employees, providers, etc. After mentioning their track record of excellence in staff recruitment and retention, OHSU directed the community review board to specific pages of the definitive agreement. We have watched each CRB meeting and are confident the members have reviewed all available materials. So this approach seemed both condescending to the CRB members and disingenuous to those the CRB was asking on behalf of. 

  • Legacy made it clear that their Board of Directors determined the organization could best achieve its long term goals through a strategic partnership, and the partner needs to align with Legacy's not-for-profit and community-based mission. This commitment to finding a strategic partner aligned with Legacy’s mission and not-for-profit status was given under oath during sworn testimony. We want to specifically call that out as factual information as one of the public commenters stated if this transaction isn’t approved, Legacy would likely be absorbed by an out of state for-profit or private equity investor. We have heard from those of you in Washington that technically OHSU is “out of state” for you, others have rightfully questioned what kind of for-profit/private equity investor is looking to community-based hospitals for a return on investment. We hear you and we agree. We understand why that misguided talking point continues to be said for those who might benefit from this transaction being approved, but it is not centered in reality.

  • Given OHSU is the acquiring entity and has made many financial promises in the HCMO filing, it is unclear why only Legacy spoke to their current finances. OHSU is the responsible entity and did not similarly offer information on indicators of financial health like days cash on hand or recent agency ratings. OHSU had significant layoffs last year and would likely be heavily impacted by cuts being discussed at the federal level, so it seems disingenuous once again to continue on with the narrative that only Legacy is struggling financially. How will they be able to pay for all the commitments they have made for this transaction with no negative impact on the state or taxpayers?

  • OHSU’s president submitted a public comment during the 30-minute window provided for the community to speak. As OPB noted in their article, this took time away from community members who were waiting on the call for a regurgitation of information already shared from the entities. We don’t know why the decision was made to not have him give sworn testimony, but we agree that taking this time away from the community was disrespectful to those who didn’t get a chance to speak.  

While many comments during the hearing didn’t directly address the people who might be impacted by the transaction, we are still lacking answers to key questions regarding the increasing costs of care, the consequences of NIH and Medicaid cuts for the state budget and the unintended impacts on Oregonians. 

Additionally, we have yet to hear any proposed alternative solutions from our elected officials, or really any perspective from our elected officials at all. This transaction seems more like a rushed process than a carefully considered approach that explores low-risk pathways for lowering costs and improving access, equity and quality in our communities.

Since the public hearing, many additional public comments have been submitted to the OHA. We encourage people to submit their thoughts on the transaction as the community review board completes their review and prepares to make a recommendation to the state. 

Week Thirteen News: