S.2863, An Act to Promote Cost Containment, Transparency and Efficiency in the Delivery of Quality Health Care, was passed by the Mass. Legislature last week. Among other things, it includes a public reporting requirement that would document all gifts worth more than $50 from drug companies to physicians. It also covers:
· Public reporting of healthcare-associated infections;
· Public reporting of, and nonpayment for, serious reportable events;
· Establishment of Patient and Family Councils in hospitals;
· Establishment of rapid response methods in hospitals.
Health Care For All has a piece on the full page ad in the Globe from biotech trying to stymie the bill before the gov signs it.