Medical Legislation News and Research
BMA Scotland comment on the publication of the Patient Rights
"BMA Scotland supports the Scottish Government's aim to encourage a stronger sense of public ownership of the NHS and the renewed commitment to provide a service which is publicly funded and owned, free at the point of delivery. As such, we welcome the commitment to articulate the rights and responsibilities of all those using and providing NHS services.
China's healthcare reform one year later
In April 2009, the Chinese government announced the guidelines for healthcare reform, with the core principle of providing universal healthcare services to the country's 1.3 billion population. China will invest 850 billion RMB ($124 billion) on healthcare from 2009 to 2011, further stimulating demand for medical devices, in what is already one of the world's fastest growing markets for medical technology. One year later, a number of new regulations and guidelines are in place, which are beginning to reshape the structure of the Chinese healthcare industry.
House healthcare reform legislation and administrative rule combined cut $44 billion in Medicare funds for long term care
The Community Cares Coalition (CoCares) - a national coalition of community long term care businesses and organizations providing key services to the skilled nursing community - today said that while long term care businesses support reform measures to increase efficiencies in the healthcare system and promote cost savings, the current reform proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives and a recent administrative rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS') that cut $44 billion Medicare funds to long term care will have the opposite impact on nursing home care and the businesses and organizations that support the nation's long term care sector.
Canada's doctors send strong message to New Brunswick Government
At their General Council Meeting in Saskatoon today, Canada's doctors strongly supported the New Brunswick Medical Society's struggle against their government's violation of a duly ratified contract agreement.
Pennsylvania Governor signs new emergency medical services law
Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed into law Senate Bill 240, a measure to update and enhance Pennsylvania's existing Emergency Medical Services Act. The law was first enacted in 1985.
Indoor Tanning Association denounces Suffolk Bill banning teens under the age of 18 from using a sun-bed
Today the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) denounced Introduced Resolution 1714, which would ban Suffolk teens under the age of 18 from using a sun-bed.
An analysis of key provisions in health care legislation released to-date
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) today released a side-by-side comparison of chronic care provisions contained within health reform legislation passed out of committee.
Landmark legislation brings much-needed reform to New Jersey
New Jersey significantly reformed its mental illness treatment law on August 11th when Governor Corzine signed Senate Bill 735 into law. Senator Richard Codey and countless advocates battled for years to give New Jersey a way to better help those who refuse treatment because of incapacitating symptoms of illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. "Our goal is to minimize time in the hospital and keep patients in the least restrictive environment that will help foster their recovery," said Codey.
Congressman's visit to The American Legion beneficial to veterans
During a recent visit to The American Legion headquarters here, U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., said that the maintenance of high quality health care for veterans is at the very top of his list of priorities. Within a week, Filner, who is chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, has demonstrated his advocacy and response to Legion concerns by introducing legislation long championed by the Legion that would materially aid Medicare-eligible vets.
Health bills create tension over abortion coverage
The Associated Press reports: "Health care legislation before Congress would allow a new government-sponsored insurance plan to cover abortions, a decision that would affect millions of women and recast federal policy on the divisive issue.
Poll numbers show public wary of health reform legislation
"A Quinnipiac University poll released today suggests the public continues to be wary of health care legislation as members of Congress work through the August recess to sell President Obama's plan to voters," USA Today's On Politics blog reports (Fritze, 8/5).
Lobbyists play ball, flex muscles on health care reform
The Associated Press reports on lobbying around biotechnology legislation. A letter urging the protection of biotech drug makers from generics from "the private National Health Council, sent to House leaders drafting health overhaul legislation, said the plea was on behalf of 'the more than 133 million Americans living with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers.'
Schumer: Sen. Democrats might approve health reform legislation without Republicans
"Senate Democrats will consider approving legislation overhauling the U.S. health-care system without Republican support if the opposition doesn't agree to a bipartisan plan by mid-September, Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said," Bloomberg reports.
Senate Democrats in the 'hot seat' on health overhaul
In the final week of debate before the Senate recess, the Finance Committee continues talks on bipartisan legislation, but both Republicans and Democrats are ramping up their health care rhetoric and considering more drastic options.
IPS examines legislative measures to fight HIV/AIDS
Inter Press Service examines several civil society organizations' argument that legislative measures aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS, "hurt more" than they "help." There are 58 countries with laws in place to "prosecute HIV transmission" and 33 others where such legislation is being considered, according to the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
House energy and commerce Democrats vote for public plan, Republicans balk
"The House Energy and Commerce Committee resumed work Thursday on major health care legislation, voting to establish a government-run health insurance plan, as top Republicans stepped up their criticism of the ambitious legislation," The New York Times reports.
Lawmakers dilemma: should tax increases pay for health care overhaul?
As lawmakers disagree over which taxes to raise to pay for health care reform, they "also face another problem: They're confronting the fear that's made it hard to raise taxes for more than 30 years.
Abortion, end-of-life care fire up health debate, blogosphere
As the House Energy and Commerce Committee marked up the health reform bill last night, "a series of amendments on both sides of the abortion debate [added] a political charge -- and a distraction -- to the progress of the legislation," Politico reports (Smith, 7/30).
GOP version of reform bill offers tax credits, doesn't require coverage
House Republicans Wednesday unveiled their version of health reform legislation. It offers tax credits to help people buy insurance and doesn't require individuals or businesses to carry coverage, The Associated Press reports. The plan costs $700 billion, less than current Democratic proposals in Congress.
Health overhaul ads intensify emotional messages
"The healthcare overhaul fight in Washington is bursting into America's living rooms, and interests from many bands on the political spectrum are trying to transform an often wonky debate over 1,000-page bills into an emotional pitch that can be captured in 30 seconds," The Boston Globe reports.