There is always Congressional activity to address health care, patients and physicians. In this section we will monitor and keep you updated on federal legislation affecting health care policy, specifically peer review, as well as hearings the Semmelweis Society and its associate physicians are involved in. We also provide a list of legislators on House and Senate Committees and Subcommittees addressing healt care. January 30, 2005
The spotlight shines on a new Congress, which will explore a number of key health themes, from tort reform to Medicare payment. full story...
January 18, 2005
Thirteen Groups Collaborate in Responding to Federal Government's RFI on NHI Network full story...
January 16, 2005
The medical industry is having difficulties converting to electronic health records and other computerized systems, but hospitals are making major strides, sometimes held back by doctors. full story...
January 13, 2005
Goal tending: Patient safety and the environment of care full story...
September 14, 2004
Dr. Timothy Scanlan responds to Wichita Eagle Editorial, explaining HR 663 & S 720
full story...
Whistle Blower Act is working its way through the Senate right now. full story...
Health Care Cost Increases Might Have Negative Effect on US Economy, Labor Department Says full story...
House Affirms Investment in Physician Training at US Children's Hospitals 11 Sep 2004
full story...
On July 22, 2004, the Senate passed S.720 - 02 AUG 04
What the AMA has to say about this legislation. Legal and Practitioner opinion regarding this legislation would be well received by Semmelweis Society. full story...
Letter to Senators requesting the passage of S.720 - 10 MAR 04
Signed by state medical boards and prominent medical societies. full story...
AMA Letter to Senators requesting the passage of S.720 - 9 MAR 04
"We strongly urge the Senate to pass S. 720 as a fundamental significant step toward reducing errors and improving safety and quality..." Signed by Dr. Michael Maves full story...
On 9 June, 2003 Drs. Waite, Bard, and Butler met with Dr. J. Sharfstein and David A. Rapallo, Counsel for the Committee on Government Reform, after Dr. Butler had written his congressman, The Honorable Henry Waxman, to discuss the need for due process in medical peer review, in both the private and public sectors. CDR Butler (USNR) requested whistle-blower protection for reporting to Senator Glenn and Representative Waxman.
On 10 June, 2003 Dr. Butler testified under oath before Mrs. Eileen Keenan, DOD Inspector General regarding the treatment afforded Dr. Eric Gluck, Dr. Stephen W. Smith, and others. Ralph Bard M.D., J.D., CDR USNR was present as Dr. Butler's attorney.
The FTC has as website regarding the issue. full story...
MANAGED CARE ETHICS: THE CLOSE VIEW
Dr. Linda Peeno's Testimony before the U.S. House of RepresentativesCommittee on Commerce, Subcommittee on Health and Environment full story...
There are many legislators who have helped and will continue to propose legislation if we continue our diligence towards this just cause. You can contact the congressmen listed here or contact your own.
Most senators can be contacted thru their individual urls, type " www.senate.gov/~ " in your address bar followed by their last name.
Most representatives can be contacted thru their individual urls, type "www.house.gov/" followed by their last name.