(Lake Oswego, OR) -- Oregon hospital losses grew last year putting hospitals in the worst financial position since 1993. The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems says rising expenses, workforce shortages, and stalled revenue caused the problem. Labor expenses were up 26-percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. Operating expenses were up 11-percent. The Oregon legislature is considering bills to help boost the health care work force and create a task force to explore ways to increase bed capacity outside of hospitals, so patients have a place to recover if they can't go home.