2009
Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act (07/01/2009) — In order to help small practices comply with the health IT adoption requirement, Rep. Kathleen Dahlkemper (D-PA), Chair of the Regulations, Healthcare and Trade Subcommittee of the House Small Business Committee, has introduced the “Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act” (H.R. 3014). This legislation would create a new loan program for the purchase of Health IT by eligible health care professional in solo or small group practices. Learn more »
Health Care Reform Legislation Discussion Draft Includes Important Physician Provisions (06/26/09) — The three House Committees with jurisdiction over health care released a joint health care reform legislation discussion draft on June 19 and have been holding hearings and discussions on it this week. The draft addresses a number of issues including, physician payment reform, comparative effectiveness research, financial relationships with industry, quality reporting and a public plan option. The Society has analyzed the 852-page document and provided a summary of applicable provisions. Learn more »
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009 (06/11/2009) — On June 10, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) introduced the “Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009” establishing a private, nonprofit corporation, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, to generate evidence on which health care interventions and services work and which don't. Comparative effectiveness research compares clinical outcomes, or the "clinical effectiveness," of alternative therapies and health strategies for the same condition. Learn more »
Society Responds to the Introduction of the Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2009 (06/03/2009) — On May 19, Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OH), joined by 11 co-sponsors, introduced H.R. 2502, “Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2009.” This legislation recognizes that Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) should be focused on informing doctor and patient decisions, not on cost issues. H.R. 2502 provides a clear, transparent process for the research development and ensures that the research is not used for coverage decisions. The Heart Rhythm Society has sent a letter of support. Learn more »
President Signs Stimulus Package (02/18/2009) — After being approved by the House of Representatives and by the Senate on February 13, 2009, the stimulus package was signed by President Barack Obama on February 17. The final version of the legislation includes provisions addressing Health Information Technology, Comparative Effectiveness Research and funding of medical research. Learn more »
Update: Healthcare Priorities in the Stimulus package — The Society voices concern on CER (02/04/2009) — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed its version of the stimulus package, while the Senate is debating it. The Society has written to the leadership of the House and Senate voicing concerns about the comparative effectiveness research (CER) language in the stimulus package. Learn more »
Congress Negotiates Healthcare Priorities in the Economic Recovery Bill (1/21/2009) — On January 15, 2009, Democratic leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives released the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009,” commonly referred to as the stimulus package or economic recovery bill. Stimulus package priorities include lowering healthcare costs and transforming the economy with science and technology. Learn more »
