ORS 442.515 Rural hospitals; findings

The Legislative Assembly finds that Oregon rural hospitals are an integral part of the communities and geographic area where they are located. Their impact on the economic wellbeing and health status of the citizens is vast. The problems faced by rural hospitals include a general decline in rural economies, the age of the rural populations, older physical plants, lack of physicians and other health care providers and a poor financial outlook. The Legislative Assembly recognizes that the loss of essential hospital services is imminent in many communities.