News News Archive Email A Friend April 19, 2024 Workers Compensation Bill 2024: One percent of employee’s salary to contribute to workers’ compensation fund in Kenya. April 15, 2024 Colorado Worker Shows Head Injury Happened as a Consequence of a Knock on the Head at Work April 4, 2024 Callfornia Division of Workers' Compensation Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Meeting Scheduled for April 17, 2024 April 3, 2024 California Division of Workers' Compensation Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (DMEPOS)
| | GOP Wants 'Time Out' in Patients' Rights Squabble By John Millrany - June 19, 2001Republican leaders are calling for a "time out" in the dicey debate over a patients’ rights bill that could involve untold billions of dollars in disputable claims.
The Senate planned to kick off new debate on opposing bills June 18, but opponents of legislation co-sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and John Edwards of North Carolina, along with Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, said they need a delay to consider last-minute changes in the package.
Meanwhile, as members of both sides of the aisle hit the TV talk shows, HMOs have launched a major advertising campaign to make their case that a patients’ rights bill would be harmful to the economy. The bill has been criticized by White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card Jr., who said President Bush will veto the legislation if it’s not toned down.
Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (S-SD) jumped into the debate by saying, "You should have the right to make your medical decisions with the advice of your doctor…without the say-so of your insurance company."
Ron Bonjean, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), said, "There are a number of Republican senators who want to look over the fine print because of changes made last weekend. Our intention is to go with the bill as soon as the senators are comfortable with it."
The debate in the Senate chamber is expected to pick up again June 20. |