WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the United States prepares to add 32 million
more patients to the healthcare system through healthcare reform, 11 of
the leading medical societies in the country joined together today to
publicly support the introduction of the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010.
The bill, introduced by Rep. John Sullivan
(R-OK) and Rep. David Scott (D-GA), provides much needed clarification
and resources to address patient confusion in the healthcare
marketplace. The bill adds enhanced transparency requirements
regarding the delivery of healthcare and additional resources to
support existing federal regulations.
“The bill empowers patients,” said
Alexander A. Hannenberg, MD, president of the American Society of
Anesthesiologists. “A properly informed patient will be better prepared
to make healthcare decisions. As physician specialists providing care
in highly complex environments such as the operating room and
intensive care unit, we believe it is essential that patients clearly
understand the training and qualifications of those at their bedside.
We welcome the introduction of the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010 and commend Representatives Sullivan and Scott for their leadership on this important and timely patient issue.”
A nationwide survey conducted in 2008
confirmed that there is increasing patient confusion regarding the many
types of healthcare providers – including physicians, technicians,
nurses, physician assistants and other allied providers. The study
further found that patients want accurate information about these
providers.
“The truth and transparency act would
significantly reduce patient confusion and safeguard the public by
prohibiting the dangerous practice of some healthcare providers who use
misleading terminology to misrepresent themselves or their
qualifications,” said David W. Parke II, MD, CEO of the American Academy
of Ophthalmology. “Patients should be confident in their healthcare
decisions without having to second-guess their providers’ credentials.”
Passage of the bill would make it
unlawful for any healthcare professional to make deceptive statements
or engage in any act that misleads patients whether it is in person, in
advertisements or marketing efforts as to one’s education, training,
degree, licensure or clinical experience.
“As our nation embarks on the implementation
of comprehensive healthcare reform, it is important for patients to
have accurate information on those individuals providing their care.
This legislation will take significant steps toward educating consumers
on who is providing their healthcare, thus empowering patients to have
a more proactive role in their healthcare,” said Larry Wickless, DO,
president of the American Osteopathic Association.
About the Coalition
The following medical societies are a part of the coalition in support of the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010:
American Academy of Dermatology Association
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
American Osteopathic Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Reps. Sullivan and Scott Introduce Bipartisan Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act