Astoria, OR – In response to a recent patient death, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced a leadership overhaul at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH), signaling a strong commitment to improving patient safety and care. The decision, made less than 24 hours after the Governor’s Office received information about the fatality, is part of an ongoing effort to address longstanding concerns about safety and oversight at the facility.
Kristine Kautz, Acting Director of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), has been given the responsibility of installing new leadership at OSH. As part of this overhaul, Dave Baden, the current Deputy Director of Policy and Programs at OHA, has been appointed Acting Superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital, effective immediately. This move follows the resignation of Dr. Sara Walker, the hospital’s Interim Superintendent and Chief Medical Officer.
Governor Kotek emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Today, I directed Acting Director Kautz to make Dave Baden Acting Superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital after learning more details around a recent fatality. I have also directed the agency to make a 30-day plan to address issues related to patient care and safety, effective immediately. Patients and their families deserve a hospital that meets the highest possible standard of care.”
The recent death adds to a troubling history at OSH. Since 2020, 21 patients have died at the hospital, with nine of those fatalities being unexpected. This latest incident comes amid an ongoing federal investigation into several issues surrounding patient safety at the facility. One such issue involved a failure by hospital staff to conduct hourly checks on patients to ensure they were alive and breathing, which led to the discovery of a patient’s body last May.
In response to these concerns, federal investigators warned that OSH could lose its Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement eligibility. However, following the implementation of corrective measures, the hospital is no longer at risk of losing its certification with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Acting Superintendent Dave Baden, appointed to lead the hospital during this critical time, expressed his commitment to improving the situation. “The Oregon Health Authority shares the Governor’s concerns and urgency regarding this matter and are resolved to do everything in our power to improve patient safety at OSH,” Baden said.
The OHA is currently developing an immediate plan aimed at addressing these ongoing concerns, with increased oversight from the Governor’s Office to ensure that changes are implemented effectively and efficiently. Governor Kotek’s swift response to the situation highlights her determination to hold the hospital accountable and ensure that patients at OSH receive the care they deserve.
As the OHA works on its 30-day action plan, stakeholders and the public will be closely watching to see if these leadership changes lead to real improvements in patient care and safety at the Oregon State Hospital.
